act of obedience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of obedience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific action taken in compliance with rules, commands, or expectations. Example: "The soldier's act of obedience during the drill was commendable and demonstrated his commitment to duty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

True spiritual surrender is far from passive — it is a willful act of obedience.

The Washington Post

This perceived act of obedience to a man whom the Chinese government has long vilified as a "splittist," meaning secessionist, appears to have angered the authorities.

The New York Times

The faithful may understand their prayers as an act of obedience, though even they may wonder why desires must be articulated to a deity who knows all.

The New Yorker

It was not just a humane policy — an act of obedience to the Koran ("There shall be no compulsion in religion") and a way of being civilized — but also a matter of Realpolitik.

The New Yorker

It was not just a humane policy an act of obedience to the Koran ("There shall be no compulsion in religion") and a way of being civilized but also a matter of Realpolitik.

The New Yorker

She framed her presence as an act of obedience to the Church's teachings: "The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that the Ryan budget failed a basic moral test, because it would harm families living in poverty.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"At times it is appropriate to refrain from performing certain acts of obedience," he said, "in order to avoid the hardships of others".

The Guardian - Arts

We were united by our dissatisfaction with a regime that demanded acts of obedience on an almost daily basis: Shopkeepers were pressured to put up propaganda signs that read "Workers of the world, unite!" Schoolchildren, students and workers were compelled to march in May Day parades.

The New York Times

"At times it is appropriate to refrain from performing certain acts of obedience," he said, "in order to avoid the hardships of others". At times it may also be appropriate to refrain from certain building projects, to avoid the relentless transformation of Mecca into a luxury pay-per-prayer resort.

The Guardian - Arts

Whereas children in religious households learn to act out of obedience to a watchful higher power, children raised in secular homes could be taught to follow moral rules just because it's "the right thing to do," he says.

Science Magazine

A different perspective -- and probably the most commonly held one -- states that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was an act of supreme obedience offered in order to free humans from the power of sin.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing religious or moral contexts, use "act of obedience" to emphasize a deliberate choice to follow divine or ethical principles.

Common error

Avoid using "act of obedience" in everyday situations where simple compliance suffices. Terms like "followed instructions" or "complied with the request" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of obedience" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing a specific action performed in compliance with a rule, command, or expectation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of obedience" is a noun phrase used to describe a specific action taken in compliance with a command, rule, or authority. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and best suited for formal contexts, particularly those involving religious, ethical, or legal implications. While it is not exceedingly common, "act of obedience" appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post. Alternatives include phrases like "demonstration of compliance" or "instance of submission", offering subtle variations in meaning. When writing, it's important to reserve "act of obedience" for situations where a sense of duty or respect is emphasized, rather than simply describing routine compliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstration of compliance

Focuses on the observable behavior showing agreement to a rule or request.

instance of submission

Highlights the yielding aspect, emphasizing acceptance of a higher authority.

gesture of deference

Emphasizes respect and politeness in complying with someone's wishes.

show of conformity

Stresses aligning with established norms or expectations.

expression of allegiance

Implies loyalty and faithfulness through obedience.

execution of a command

Highlights the action taken to fulfill a specific order or directive.

fulfillment of duty

Underscores the sense of obligation and responsibility in obeying.

observance of rules

Focuses on adhering to established regulations or guidelines.

adherence to principles

Highlights consistency with moral or ethical guidelines through obedience.

discharge of obligation

Emphasizes the completion of a required or expected act.

FAQs

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

You can use "act of obedience" to describe a specific instance where someone complies with a command, rule, or law. For example, "The soldier's "act of obedience" demonstrated his dedication to duty."

What phrases are similar to "act of obedience"?

Similar phrases include "demonstration of compliance", "instance of submission", or "gesture of deference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "act of obedience" formal or informal?

The phrase "act of obedience" tends to be more formal and is often used in contexts involving religion, law, or military service. In everyday conversation, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "act of obedience" and "act of compliance"?

"Act of obedience" implies a sense of duty or respect for authority, while "act of compliance" simply means following a rule or request without necessarily implying agreement or respect. Obedience often involves a moral or ethical dimension.