act of passion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of passion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a spontaneous or intense emotional response, often in the context of actions taken in the heat of the moment, particularly in legal or romantic situations. Example: "The defendant claimed that the crime was an act of passion, driven by overwhelming emotions at the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The kiss was not an act of passion.

The New York Times

By being conceived in an act of passion, we are born damned.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can particularly recommend "The Train", "Act of Passion", "The Mahe Circle" and "The Widow".

The Guardian - Books

This encouraged Simenon to rely on such gestures, as in Alavoine's decision to murder Martine in "Act of Passion".

The New Yorker

This month, a 1947 novel, "Act of Passion," is being reissued by New York Review Books, which has a long and distinguished line of Simenons.

The New Yorker

So when columnist Jayson Stark of The Philadelphia Inquirer asked my opinion of Boggs's act of passion, I told him, "The only way I would kiss that filthy thing is if Tyra Banks's picture was on it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Revenge, as the old expression goes, "is a meal best served cold", i.e., quickly, without undue reflection or debate, and without unseemly acts of passion.

University of California, Berkeley

In particular, photographs were circulated before the trial began of four life-sized statues that Prince Jefri had commissioned of himself and his fiancee locked in various acts of passion.

The Guardian

Acts of Passion The Brooklyn Philharmonic opens its new season at 7 30 tomorrow night with the New York premiere of a music, dance and vocal piece in Spanish and Aramaic with an English libretto and using authentic Latin American instruments like berimbau, tres and bata drums.

The New York Times - Books

Accidents, spontaneous acts of passion, decisions taken casually--all can lead to totally new and unexpected careers, full of new and unexpected challenges, offering great professional and personal satisfaction.

Science Magazine

"Loving on" someone — whether he likes it or not — posits love as a volitional activity, an act not of passion but of will.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act of passion", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action was driven by intense emotions, distinguishing it from premeditated actions.

Common error

Avoid using "act of passion" to describe mild preferences or routine enthusiasm. Reserve it for situations where emotions are exceptionally strong and demonstrably influence behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of passion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its association with intense emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of passion" describes a behavior or decision driven by intense emotions rather than rational thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and often used in legal, news, and academic contexts. While related to the more specific "crime of passion", "act of passion" has broader applications. When using the phrase, it is crucial to ensure that the context accurately reflects the intensity of the emotion involved. Consider alternative phrases like "impulsive act" or "emotional outburst" to more precisely capture the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crime of passion

Specifically refers to a criminal act, especially violence, resulting from sudden strong impulse such as sudden rage or jealousy.

impulsive act

Highlights the spontaneous and unplanned nature of the action, driven by immediate urges.

emotional outburst

Emphasizes the sudden release of strong emotions, potentially leading to uncontrolled actions.

rash decision

Focuses on the lack of careful consideration or planning behind the decision, driven by emotion.

impassioned deed

Highlights the fervent and intense nature of the action, fueled by deep emotion.

spontaneous gesture

Underscores the unplanned and immediate nature of the act, often driven by feelings.

heat of the moment

Captures the situation where actions are taken under intense pressure and emotion.

unpremeditated action

Emphasizes the lack of prior planning or intent behind the action.

act of impulse

Highlights that the action is based on a sudden desire to do something.

uncontrolled reaction

Suggests a loss of self-control leading to an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "act of passion" to describe a crime, a decision, or any behavior that is driven by intense emotion, such as "The crime was determined to be an "act of passion", committed in the heat of an argument".

What are some alternatives to "act of passion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "crime of passion", "impulsive act", or "emotional outburst" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "act of passion" a legal term?

"Act of passion" is often used in legal contexts, particularly when discussing crimes where the defendant's emotional state at the time of the offense is a key factor. However, the more specific legal term is often "crime of passion".

What's the difference between "act of passion" and "crime of passion"?

"Act of passion" is a more general term that can apply to various situations, while "crime of passion" specifically refers to a criminal act, often violent, committed under the influence of intense emotion.