act of heroism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of heroism" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use this phrase to describe a brave or selfless act that someone has done. For example: "It was an act of heroism when the firefighter risked his life to save the trapped child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not an act of heroism," Westheimer clarified.

The New Yorker

That was an act of heroism.

The Guardian - Music

His only act of heroism had been his survival.

The Guardian - Film

Sometimes during an act of heroism, it's the savior who ends up being saved.

The New York Times - Books

The United States performed the greatest act of heroism since it jumped into World War II.

The New York Times

At this point it is an act of heroism just to keep showing up.

The New York Times - Arts

This month, The Post published a long and detailed account of a true act of heroism.

The Washington Post

It seems remarkable that given this act of heroism Mr. Smith didn't stay.

The New York Times

But Diamond Reynolds's act of heroism, and the conversation it prompted, made me reconsider my stance.

The New Yorker

"What she did was an unbelievable act of heroism," Mr. Furnish said.

The New York Times

Their sacrifice was an act of heroism that will live forever".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an "act of heroism", provide specific details about the situation and the actions taken to fully convey the bravery and selflessness involved.

Common error

Avoid labeling everyday acts of kindness as an "act of heroism". Reserve this phrase for genuinely extraordinary situations involving significant risk or self-sacrifice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of heroism" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and categorizes a specific instance of brave and selfless behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "act of heroism" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe instances of exceptional bravery and selflessness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appropriate across many contexts, particularly within news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. While the phrase is common, it is most effective when used to describe genuinely extraordinary situations and not diluted by applying it to commonplace acts of kindness. Remember to provide specific details when using the phrase to fully capture the essence of the heroic action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heroic deed

Focuses on the action performed with bravery, emphasizing the accomplishment.

brave act

Highlights the courage involved in the action, simplifying the expression.

selfless act

Emphasizes the altruistic nature of the action, focusing on the lack of personal gain.

courageous action

Stresses the bravery and boldness exhibited in the action.

noble gesture

Implies a sense of dignity and moral excellence in the action.

valiant effort

Underscores the strength and determination involved in the action.

heroic feat

Highlights the extraordinary nature and scale of the achievement.

act of valor

Emphasizes the courage and bravery displayed, often in a military context.

extraordinary deed

Stresses the exceptional and remarkable nature of the action.

remarkable act

Highlights the unusual and noteworthy quality of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "act of heroism" in a sentence?

You can use "act of heroism" to describe a specific instance of bravery and selflessness. For example, "Saving the child from the burning building was an "act of heroism"."

What's a good synonym for "act of heroism"?

Alternatives include "heroic deed", "brave act", or "selfless act" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe everyday actions as an "act of heroism"?

While kindness should be acknowledged, "act of heroism" is best reserved for actions demonstrating exceptional courage and self-sacrifice in dangerous situations.

What distinguishes an "act of heroism" from an act of bravery?

While both involve courage, an "act of heroism" typically implies a higher degree of self-sacrifice and risk to oneself, whereas "act of bravery" may encompass a broader range of courageous actions.