act of praise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of praise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific action or gesture that expresses admiration or commendation towards someone or something. Example: "The award ceremony was a beautiful act of praise for the hard work and dedication of the volunteers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The third movement eventually takes off and becomes almost aggressive in the act of praise.

The New York Times - Arts

Each painting is a breakthrough and an advanced act of praise.

The Guardian - Arts

Each Catholic mass is still an act of praise in which worshippers explicitly join their voices with the angelic choirs.

The Economist

But a recurring theme at Passion, besides the act of praise, was the diminution of the individual.

The New York Times

A Roman Catholic steeped in religious mysticism, he described "Des Canyons" as "an act of praise and contemplation" that "contains all the colors of the rainbow".

The New York Times - Arts

The lemon, for example, where the knife has been: the pores, the pith, the luminescent            heart of it, each differential             boundary bound to open.Meaning death, of course, the un- protected flesh about to turn, but just            before the turn, while looking             can still be an act of praise.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I like it, Millsy," McDermott says as he pokes his bald pate around a door and catches the former City central defender in the act of praising him.

Independent

An honorary mention to Patsy Kensit for services to women's history this week, who, in an interview in Stylist magazine, performed the sisterly act of praising Kate Middleton for occasionally wearing the same outfit more than once.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, the direct utilitarian can and should distinguish between the moral assessment of an act and the moral assessment of the act of praising or blaming that act.

SEP

Customary morality relies heavily on acts of praise and blame to perpetuate itself.

SEP

After private negotiations, Sisi had agreed to what some might describe as an act worthy of praise: a peaceful transfer of territory in the Middle East.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language; while "act of praise" is acceptable, consider alternatives like "expression of worship" or "demonstration of approval" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "act of praise" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler expressions like "compliment" or "appreciation" might be more appropriate. This phrase is better suited for formal or religious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of praise" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific action intended to express admiration or worship. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act of praise" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes a specific action expressing admiration or commendation. While deemed correct by Ludwig AI, its formality makes it more suitable for formal, religious, or artistic contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media and science, with alternatives such as "expression of worship" or "demonstration of approval" offering suitable substitutions depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display of commendation

Suggests a visible or outward showing of praise.

demonstration of approval

Emphasizes the positive feedback aspect of the action.

expression of worship

Focuses specifically on religious connotations, differing from a general act of praise.

acknowledgment of merit

Highlights the recognition of worthiness or excellence.

gesture of reverence

Implies deeper respect and admiration compared to a simple act of praise.

expression of esteem

Implies respect and high regard, emphasizing the value placed on the subject of praise.

tribute of admiration

Suggests a formal or public display of praise, unlike a personal act.

form of adulation

Implies excessive or intense admiration.

show of gratitude

Highlights thankfulness, adding an emotional layer absent in a simple act of praise.

celebration of achievement

Focuses on celebrating success, which differs from merely praising.

FAQs

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

You can use "act of praise" to describe a specific instance of showing admiration or worship. For example, "Singing in the choir was her "demonstration of approval" to the new leader."

What are some alternatives to "act of praise"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "expression of worship", "gesture of reverence", or "demonstration of approval".

Is "act of praise" formal or informal?

"Act of praise" leans towards the formal side and is often used in religious or ceremonial contexts. For informal settings, consider using simpler terms such as "compliment" or "acknowledgment".

What distinguishes "act of praise" from "act of gratitude"?

"Act of praise" specifically denotes admiration or commendation, while "act of gratitude" expresses thankfulness. The key difference lies in the sentiment being conveyed: admiration versus thankfulness.