an act of generosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an act of generosity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a specific action that demonstrates kindness or selflessness towards others. Example: "Her decision to donate a large sum to the local shelter was truly an act of generosity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Complexity becomes soulful, an act of generosity.

The New York Times - Arts

Think of it as an act of generosity.

The New York Times - Food

Clore is an act of generosity and trust.

The Guardian

Her participation would have to be an act of generosity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Write about the stories you were told, a family journey, an act of generosity.

The New York Times - Books

I was stuck with an act of generosity I hadn't intended, and it felt very strange.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not given me by an act of generosity, but by an act of love.

The Guardian

Donating blood, once an act of generosity, is now a civic duty.

The New York Times

But they did listen, an act of generosity in itself for which I am hugely grateful.

The Guardian

His mother, disapproving, retrieved it, an act of generosity that would change his life.

The Guardian - Arts

Sickness, embodied through being a "carrier," is an act of generosity, a heroic act that brings us closer to God.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an act of generosity", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates a selfless intention and a tangible benefit to others. This enhances the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid labeling actions that primarily benefit the giver as "an act of generosity". Ensure the act genuinely prioritizes the well-being of others to maintain the phrase's intended meaning and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an act of generosity" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies and describes a specific action characterized by selflessness and giving. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct, and its use denotes a particular instance of kindness or altruism, aligning with various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an act of generosity" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe selfless actions that benefit others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While appropriate for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure the action genuinely prioritizes others to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "a benevolent deed" or "a charitable action" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a benevolent deed

Replaces "act" and "generosity" with synonyms conveying a similar meaning of kindness.

a charitable action

Substitutes "generosity" with "charitable" to focus on the altruistic nature of the act.

a magnanimous gesture

Uses "magnanimous" to emphasize the noble and forgiving aspect of the act.

a selfless contribution

Highlights the lack of personal gain in the act, focusing on benefit to others.

a humanitarian effort

Implies a large-scale act aimed at improving human welfare.

a philanthropic endeavor

Replaces the general term with another with a more specific intent, focused on benevolence.

an altruistic gesture

Uses "altruistic" to specifically highlight the selflessness inherent in the act.

a giving spirit

Shifts focus from a specific action to an ongoing trait of character.

an exhibition of goodwill

Highlights the positive intentions and attitude behind the action.

a favor

Offers a shorter, less formal way to describe an act of kindness.

FAQs

How can I use "an act of generosity" in a sentence?

You can use "an act of generosity" to describe a specific instance where someone demonstrates selfless giving. For example, "Donating to the food bank was "an act of generosity" that helped many families in need."

What are some alternatives to saying "an act of generosity"?

You can use alternatives such as "a benevolent deed", "a charitable action", or "a magnanimous gesture" to convey a similar meaning with different wording. You can find more alternatives in the related phrases above.

Is it appropriate to describe a business donation as "an act of generosity"?

Yes, it is appropriate, provided the donation is made without expecting direct or immediate returns. However, transparency about any potential benefits to the business is crucial to maintain credibility. It can also be described as "a philanthropic endeavor".

What distinguishes "an act of generosity" from a simple favor?

"An act of generosity" typically involves a significant sacrifice or effort on the part of the giver and is primarily motivated by the well-being of others. A simple favor, while helpful, may not carry the same level of selflessness or impact. While "a favor" may be small, an "act of generosity" often involves something substantial.