act of honesty

USAGE SUMMARY

"act of honesty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which someone is taking an honest action or showing honesty. For example, "The CEO's act of honesty in admitting the company's mistakes won the respect of his employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Anne Keat Corsham, Wiltshire As a registered nurse of several decades' standing, I ask for a simple act of honesty from any new government.

The Guardian

"I know it may require an act of reality and an act of honesty," he said, "but I prefer this to saying to the electorate, 'Everything is fine,' and then having ghost polling stations".

The New York Times

Instead of triggering a conscientious soul-searching by Republicans, Senator Jeffords's act of honesty and courage has only caused them to do what they do best: seek a stereotype and pin the blame there.

The New York Times

I managed to get down only one of them, and only after persuading myself that doing so was an act of honesty and proper responsibility: instead of having someone else kill my dinner out of view, I was administering the last rites myself, with my teeth.

The New York Times

But apparently you agree with him, as his kamikaze act of honesty hasn't seemed to hinder his fundraising abilities.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Nevertheless, the telling of these things gives Ackerley the occasion to engage in other, true acts of honesty.

The New Yorker

The scheme – backed by Italy FA head Carlo Tavecchio, convicted five times since 1970 for forgery, tax evasion and abuse of office – aims to champion "all acts of honesty".

The Guardian - Sport

But Dan Brucker, a spokesman for Metro-North, said that the railroad's customers were known to commit surprising acts of honesty.

The New York Times

Weinberg says that trans-science begins with an act of "selfless honesty" where experts acknowledge that an issue has exceeded the boundaries of their domain.

The Guardian

This is another thing I learned: to "show your cards," in art or in life, isn't always an act of total honesty.

The New Yorker

Admitting mistakes would be an act of both honesty and humility that would enhance the public impression of courts, not diminish it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "act of honesty" to emphasize a specific instance where someone demonstrates truthfulness or integrity, particularly when it contrasts with previous behavior or a prevailing environment of dishonesty.

Common error

Avoid using "act of honesty" in overly general or abstract contexts where the specific action is not clearly defined. Instead, focus on concrete examples or behaviors that demonstrate honesty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of honesty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance or action characterized by truthfulness and integrity. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of honesty" is a valid and meaningful expression used to describe a specific instance of truthful or sincere behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When writing, use "act of honesty" to emphasize a deliberate display of truthfulness, especially when it stands out. Alternatives like "honest deed" or "sincere gesture" can provide slight nuances in meaning. Remember to use the phrase in concrete situations to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honest deed

Focuses on the action being honest, simpler phrasing.

truthful action

Highlights the truthfulness aspect of the action.

sincere gesture

Emphasizes the genuineness behind the action.

upright behavior

Focuses on the moral correctness of the behavior.

principled action

Highlights adherence to principles in the action.

candid disclosure

Emphasizes openness and frankness in revealing information.

forthright admission

Focuses on directness and honesty in confessing something.

genuine expression of truth

Highlights the authenticity in conveying truth.

veracious conduct

Emphasizes the truthfulness of the person's conduct.

transparent act

Highlights openness and clarity in the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "act of honesty" to describe a specific instance of truthful or sincere behavior, such as, "Admitting his mistake was an "act of honesty" that earned him respect".

What are some alternatives to "act of honesty"?

Some alternatives include "honest deed", "truthful action", or "sincere gesture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "act of honesty and integrity"?

While both terms relate to moral correctness, using both "honesty" and "integrity" can emphasize the comprehensive nature of the action, highlighting both truthfulness and strong moral principles.

When is it appropriate to use "act of honesty" versus simply saying "honesty"?

"Act of honesty" is appropriate when referring to a specific action, while "honesty" is a broader character trait. For example, "His "act of honesty" impressed everyone," versus "Honesty is the best policy".