acting as a child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acting as a child" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is behaving in a manner typical of a child, often implying immaturity or naivety. Example: "During the meeting, he was acting as a child, throwing tantrums instead of addressing the issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Murphy began acting as a child.

The Guardian - Film

When you start acting as a child, you grow up ahead of your movies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Roach got into acting as a child, appearing regularly in a Welsh-language soap.

The Guardian - Film

My parents never discouraged my interests, but they were totally discouraging about me acting as a child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Born in "a little mining town called the Bronx," Ms. Bernheim started acting as a child and never gave up.

The New York Times

She started acting as a child and went on to appear in the Australian soap Home And Away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Sutherland also served on the United States Board of Books for Young People, acting as a children's literary ambassador in South Africa, China, and other countries.

University of Chicago

Another key solution is acting as soon as a child goes missing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Given North Korea's penchant for acting as a petulant child, Kim Jong-un (and his minders) may lash out at Japan for attempting (from their perspective) to sway China away from North Korea and toward Japan.

HuffPost

Pincus also faced charges of child abuse and of acting as an accessory to child abuse.

Huffington Post

I am privileged enough to be able to not work for a living so I am able to devote my time to raising our two children, mentoring a Fresh Air Fund child, and acting as a role model for our children as an advocate for things in which I strongly believe - like safer and saner gun laws.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acting as a child" to describe someone's behavior, consider the context. Ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, whether it's immaturity or role-playing.

Common error

Avoid using "acting as a child" when you simply mean someone is innocent or naive. The phrase often implies a lack of maturity or even mischievousness, not just harmlessness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acting as a child" primarily functions as a verbal phrase that modifies a subject by describing a particular state or behavior. It describes how someone is behaving or performing, often implying immaturity or assuming a role, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acting as a child" is a common expression used to describe behavior that is reminiscent of a child. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While often implying immaturity, the expression can also denote role-playing or assuming a specific persona. It's essential to consider the connotation and choose the phrase carefully to accurately convey the intended meaning. Alternatives like "behaving childishly" or "mimicking a child" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. When writing, remember that while the sources indicate "acting as a child" is frequently used in news and media, it can also occur in scientific and formal business contexts. The key is to ensure accuracy and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behaving childishly

Focuses on the manner of behavior, highlighting immaturity.

mimicking a child

Emphasizes imitation and role-playing aspect.

displaying childlike behavior

Highlights the observable actions and traits associated with children.

being immature

Directly addresses the lack of maturity.

playing the part of a child

Focuses on intentional role-playing.

affecting a childish demeanor

Highlights the adoption of childish mannerisms.

assuming a juvenile role

Indicates taking on a young person's position or function.

feigning childhood

Focuses on pretense and insincerity.

simulating childhood

Stresses the artificial nature of the behavior.

impersonating a child

Emphasizes the act of pretending to be someone else, specifically a child.

FAQs

How can I use "acting as a child" in a sentence?

You can use "acting as a child" to describe someone behaving immaturely, like in the sentence: "During the negotiation, he was "acting as a child", making unreasonable demands."

What are some alternatives to "acting as a child"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "behaving childishly", "being immature", or "mimicking a child".

Is it always negative to describe someone as "acting as a child"?

While often negative, implying immaturity, "acting as a child" can also be neutral or even positive in contexts like theater or when describing a caregiver's role.

What's the difference between "acting as a child" and "behaving like a child"?

While similar, "acting as a child" can sometimes suggest a more deliberate performance or role-playing, while "behaving like a child" is generally a more straightforward observation of childlike behavior.