actual grace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actual grace" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in theological contexts to refer to the grace given by God that enables a person to perform good actions and grow in holiness. Example: "The concept of actual grace is essential in understanding how divine assistance influences our daily choices and actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Shrift turns the innate gentility of the music into actual grace, and the singer Nina Miranda has a voice like a rough cotton washcloth — comforting, but not without some pleasantly unpredictable bumps.

The New Yorker

For our purposes, the most important distinctions are (a) between habitual grace (especially the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity) and actual grace; (b) between external actual grace (e.g., hearing a good sermon) and internal actual grace (grace consisting in internal, mental acts); and (c) between internal actual grace of the intellect and internal actual grace of the will.

SEP

Arnauld and Jansen disagreed with Bañez about when actual grace of the will is intrinsically efficacious.

SEP

Estius's theory is simpler: The efficacy of actual grace is a direct consequence of the general principle that God's absolute will is infallibly realized.

SEP

Jansen and Arnauld, like Bañez, defended the position that actual grace of the will is sometimes intrinsically efficacious.[27] But they disagreed about the nature of such grace.

SEP

For Bañez, then, the actual grace in question is a sort of supernatural beginning of volition that is produced in the human being by God and that infallibly results in a meritorious act of will.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Now the image of that Kina shell graces their actual Kina monetary note, and it costs more than $300 (or 4 pigs) per night.

Vice

The broadcast on ABC was even graced by the actual one-time Super Bowl champ and current "Live with Kelly and Michael" co-host Michael Strahan.

The New Yorker

(For certain delays, American said its flight attendants receive an extra $15 per hour, pro-rated to the actual time, minus a 30-minute grace period).

The New York Times - Travel

The works they created range from whimsical to weighty, some spurred by the grace and beauty of the actual forms, others by a recognition of the parts' complex histories.

The New York Times

While Thomas acknowledges that these acquired natural virtues can in principle be developed by human effort without grace, he thinks that their actual acquisition by human effort is very difficult due to the influence of sin.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "actual grace", ensure the context is theological or philosophical, as it specifically refers to divine assistance in performing good actions. Using it in other contexts may be confusing or inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "actual grace" as a general term for kindness or elegance. It has a specific theological meaning and shouldn't be used interchangeably with other senses of "grace".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual grace" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a specific theological concept. It is used to denote the divine assistance or help given by God to enable individuals to perform good actions. As Ludwig indicates, its usage is correct and accepted in the English language within specific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actual grace" is a noun phrase with a specific theological meaning, referring to the divine assistance enabling humans to perform good acts. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and primarily used in formal, academic, and theological contexts. While alternatives like "divine grace" or "God's favor" exist, they may not always fully capture the specific nuance of "actual grace". When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate to its technical meaning, and avoid using it as a general expression of kindness. Its frequent appearance in academic and philosophical texts underscores its importance in theological discussions. The phrase appears to be properly constructed and its use is encouraged in specialized contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divine grace

Focuses on the divine origin of the grace, emphasizing its source.

efficacious grace

Highlights the effectiveness and power of the grace.

operative grace

Emphasizes the working or active nature of the grace.

supernatural assistance

Replaces "grace" with a more general term for divine help.

God's favor

Substitutes "grace" with a term indicating divine approval or kindness.

spiritual gift

Replaces "grace" with the concept of a divinely bestowed ability.

divine intervention

Focuses on the active role of God in providing grace.

sanctifying grace

Emphasizes the effect of grace in making one holy.

saving grace

Highlights the role of grace in salvation.

free gift of God

Emphasizes the unearned and generous nature of grace.

FAQs

How is "actual grace" typically used in a sentence?

"Actual grace" is often used in theological discussions to describe God's help that enables individuals to perform good deeds and grow in holiness. For example, "Theologians debate the nature and extent of "actual grace" in the process of salvation."

What is the difference between "actual grace" and "habitual grace"?

"Actual grace" refers to the temporary divine assistance that enables a person to perform a specific good act, while "habitual grace" is a permanent state of grace that inheres in the soul. Habitual grace disposes us to live according to God's will. This is a more lasting disposition, whereas "actual grace" is a transient help.

What are some alternatives to "actual grace"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "divine grace", "God's favor", or "supernatural assistance". However, be mindful that these alternatives may not always capture the specific theological nuance of "actual grace".

Why is "actual grace" important in theological discourse?

"Actual grace" is a key concept in understanding how divine assistance influences human actions and the process of salvation. It addresses the question of how humans, with their limitations, can cooperate with God's will and achieve spiritual growth. It is, in short, the means for "God's intervention" in human action.