act of propaganda

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of propaganda" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific instance or action that is intended to promote a particular political cause or point of view. Example: "The government's recent campaign was seen as an act of propaganda aimed at swaying public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Under modern conditions, each act of propaganda is apt to have effects in several parts of the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to Spain's central government, the election was illegal and an act of propaganda that should have not taken place.

The Guardian

The suicide bomber is easier to fathom as a weapon or act of propaganda than as a personality.

The Guardian - Books

The Attack by Yasmina Khadra, translated by John Cullen 257pp, William Heinemann, £10.99 The suicide bomber is easier to fathom as a weapon or act of propaganda than as a personality.

The Guardian - Books

They said the Pathet Lao radio, in a broadcast yesterday, deenounced the proposals as "a act of propaganda" designed "to dupe the people" and pre pare for escalation in the fight ing.

The New York Times

Do said that Mr. Bae might have taken pictures of North Korean orphans he wanted to help and that the authorities might have seen that as an act of propaganda against the North.In 2009, North Korea arrested two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, and sentenced them to 12 years of hard labor for illegally entering the North and committing "hostile acts".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

These studies are acts of propaganda, not scientific enquiry, but sadly they are only too often presented as key pieces of evidence.

Forbes

Edward Snowden has defended his decision to appear on live Russian television, insisting his question to Vladimir Putin on mass surveillance was designed to hold the Russian president accountable and not, as critics have suggested, an act of compliant propaganda.

The Guardian

In one of the biggest political scandals to rock Cheshire West and Chester Council in weeks, a Conservative opposition Councillor has accused the Labour administration of deliberately using red baubles in the town centre Christmas decorations as an act of political propaganda.

Independent

The Taliban kept up an online commentary on the progress of its "martyrdom-seekers".It was in some ways the most audacious attack on the capital since the American-led intervention in 2001 an act of armed propaganda to demonstrate that neither Mr Karzai nor his foreign supporters could protect the centre of Kabul.

The Economist

Several one-act plays of propaganda appeared during the Civil War, the most notable of which is Pastor de la muerte (1938; "Shepherd of Death").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of disseminating biased information to influence public opinion, "act of propaganda" is a precise term. Use it when you want to emphasize a single, deliberate action.

Common error

Avoid using "act of propaganda" when describing general communication efforts that may not be inherently biased or manipulative. Opt for neutral terms like "communication strategy" or "public awareness campaign" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of propaganda" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of disseminating information with the intent to influence public opinion, as demonstrated by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of propaganda" is a noun phrase used to describe a specific action intended to influence public opinion, often carrying a connotation of manipulation or bias. While grammatically correct and usable, as affirmed by Ludwig, its frequency is uncommon. The phrase is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias and wiki contexts. When writing, it's important to consider if the situation warrants this description or if a more neutral term would be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "propaganda campaign" or "publicity stunt" may offer more specific nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propaganda campaign

Focuses on the coordinated effort rather than a single action.

propaganda effort

Emphasizes the exertion and attempt to propagate ideas.

propaganda exercise

Highlights the systematic and planned nature of the propaganda.

publicity stunt

Implies the action is primarily for attention-grabbing purposes.

information warfare tactic

Frames the action as a strategic maneuver in a conflict.

political manipulation

Suggests a broader scope of manipulative practices beyond just propaganda.

attempt to brainwash

Highlights the intent to indoctrinate or influence deeply.

disinformation campaign

Focuses on spreading false or misleading information.

influence operation

Broadly describes activities aimed at shaping public opinion.

strategic communication

Neutral term for planned communication to achieve specific goals.

FAQs

How can "act of propaganda" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "act of propaganda" typically refers to a specific instance or action designed to influence public opinion. For example, "The government's new advertisement was criticized as an "act of propaganda" aimed at boosting their approval ratings."

What are some alternatives to "act of propaganda"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "propaganda campaign", "publicity stunt", or "disinformation campaign". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "act of propaganda" always negative?

While the term "propaganda" often carries negative connotations due to its association with manipulation, "act of propaganda" itself can be used neutrally to describe any deliberate attempt to spread a particular ideology or viewpoint, regardless of its ethical implications.

What's the difference between propaganda and an "act of propaganda"?

"Propaganda" is the broader concept of disseminating information, often biased or misleading, to promote a particular cause or viewpoint. An "act of propaganda" is a specific, identifiable action that carries out this dissemination, such as a speech, advertisement, or public event.