act of righteousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of righteousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deed or action that is morally right or virtuous, often in a religious or ethical context. Example: "He performed an act of righteousness by helping the homeless family find shelter during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For whom will Christ's act of righteousness lead to acquittal and life?

Yale University

Answer: "all men". (So at least we guys will be OK!) Show me someone who never enjoys acquittal and life, and I'll show someone for whom Christ's act of righteousness didn't lead to acquittal and life, and thus someone who gives the lie to this verse.

Yale University

The Smithsonian should re-instate "Fire In My Belly" as an act of righteousness and courage -- and make the exhibit whole again.

Huffington Post

He can remind us of Jesus' call to welcome the immigrant as an act of righteousness, as related in Matthew 25 35-40: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you invited me in..

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Librarian at Hebrew College and American Jewish Historical Society,and renowned for acts of righteousness.

The New York Times

This was the largest act of communal righteousness during World War II, but they did not seek recognition.

Forbes

The Chahr-Baghs of Isfahan made that city one of the most wondrous in the world; the great poet Hafez is said to have been hardly able to leave his beloved Shiraz with its many garden; the great mystic Jami tell us that every fortunate person who enjoys these blooming trees, the shade, or the fruit he consumes, should act according to the laws of righteousness.

The Guardian

Taking action is not an issue of moral righteousness but an act of self-defence.

The Guardian

To not feel expected or entitled, to act with righteousness and not hide behind the curtain of religion or social expectations and the pressures of others.

Huffington Post

These are thought to have been composed either by the Teacher of Righteousness himself or, in honor of him, by a disciple, who acts as the prophet's mouthpiece.

The New Yorker

Respectable, boring, the very picture of righteousness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "act of righteousness" to emphasize the moral and virtuous nature of a deed, particularly in religious or ethical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "act of righteousness" in everyday situations where simpler terms like "good deed" or "kind action" would be more appropriate. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of righteousness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance of morally upright behavior or a virtuous action. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe actions that lead to positive outcomes or are seen as morally commendable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "act of righteousness" is a noun phrase used to describe a morally correct or virtuous action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though it is a relatively rare expression. It commonly appears in news, media and academic contexts. While it conveys a sense of moral weight, avoid overuse in casual conversation, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Consider using synonyms like ""righteous deed"" or ""virtuous action"" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

righteous deed

Replaces "act" with "deed", slightly emphasizing the accomplishment.

virtuous action

Substitutes "righteousness" with "virtuous", focusing on moral excellence.

morally right action

Replaces "righteousness" with a more explicit description of moral correctness.

act of moral rectitude

Uses a more formal term, "rectitude", for moral correctness.

act of ethical behavior

Emphasizes the ethical dimension of the action.

principled action

Highlights the adherence to principles in the action.

good deed

A simpler, more common way to refer to a positive action.

benevolent act

Focuses on the kindness and goodwill behind the action.

act of grace

Implies an act of undeserved kindness or mercy.

selfless act

Highlights the lack of personal gain in the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "act of righteousness" to describe a morally correct or virtuous action, as in "He performed an "act of righteousness" by donating his time to the local homeless shelter".

What are some alternatives to "act of righteousness"?

Alternatives include "righteous deed", "virtuous action", or simply "good deed", depending on the context and level of formality desired.

Is it correct to say "an act of righteousness" or "a righteousness act"?

The correct phrasing is "an "act of righteousness"". The alternative phrasing, "a righteousness act", is grammatically incorrect.

What distinguishes "act of righteousness" from a simple "good deed"?

While both phrases refer to positive actions, ""act of righteousness"" often implies a deeper moral or ethical significance, potentially with religious connotations, whereas ""good deed"" is more general.