an awful act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an awful act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deed or action that is considered morally wrong or extremely unpleasant. Example: "The community was in shock after the news of the awful act that took place last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Standing behind Sheriff Bailey during an evening news conference, Gov. Rick Snyder called the shooting an "awful act," and urged residents to stand together in Michigan and elsewhere.

The New York Times

The early version of the attack, that the victims of Acteal were gunned down while praying in a church, had been exaggerated to give an awful act an even more sinister resonance, he said.

The New York Times

A6 Barak Condemns Arson Attack Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel condemned a fire that was set at a Conservative synagogue in Jerusalem as "an awful act that causes every Jew to shudder".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And then I feel a second impact of that tragedy, for the person who killed her, to have committed such an impulsive and awful act, to have to live with that.

The New Yorker

There were hot discussions when I suggested Hester Prynne was the most powerful and sexy woman in American literature, not only for what she did, that awful act that earned her an A on her bosom, but for what she thought.

The New York Times

Actually, I typed in "marriage rape," because naively, I didn't realize this awful act was a thing.

Huffington Post

Creator Chris Chibnall has done an exceptional job of depicting the ways in which one awful act can ripple outward through an entire community and destabilize families, marriages and friendships, not to mention an entire town's self-image.

Huffington Post

Booing can call forth the Executioner — a theater jester who dances the awful act offstage — while cheering ultimately chooses the winners.

The New York Times - Arts

Wilfred tries to tell himself, as the serial killer of "A Good Marriage" does, that someone else is the author of this awful act: "I believe," he writes, a few years after the event, "that there is another man inside of every man, a stranger, a Conniving Man," and that it was this evil double who did the deed.

The New York Times - Books

Even so, she argued that the jury had an obligation to understand not just Smith's awful act but her whole life leading up to that moment.

The New Yorker

He added, "It is hard when you stand beside the bed of such a young child, and you know that his infant brother, who was a year-and-a-half-old, was murdered here and you ask for what was this awful act," according to the Times.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an awful act", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific action being described to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of simply stating "it was an awful act", provide details about what occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "an awful act" without providing specific details about the act itself. Overusing this phrase without context can weaken your writing and leave the reader confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an awful act" functions as a noun phrase, where "awful" modifies the noun "act". It describes a specific instance of wrongdoing or a significantly negative action. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an awful act" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a morally reprehensible or deeply unpleasant action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though its occurrence is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides specific details about the act to avoid vagueness and maximize clarity. Related phrases such as "a heinous crime" or "a terrible deed" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired emphasis. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heinous crime

Emphasizes the severity and moral reprehensibility of the act, suggesting a grave violation of law and ethics.

a terrible deed

Focuses on the negative consequences and impact of the act, highlighting its destructive nature.

an atrocious offense

Highlights the shocking and outrageous nature of the act, conveying a sense of moral disgust.

a dreadful event

Shifts the focus to the overall situation and its distressing qualities, rather than just the action itself.

a regrettable incident

Downplays the severity slightly, focusing more on the sorrow and disappointment associated with the act.

a deplorable action

Emphasizes the deserving of strong condemnation and disapproval, highlighting its unacceptable nature.

a lamentable occurrence

Focuses on the sorrow and grief that the event evokes, emphasizing its unfortunate and mournful qualities.

a grim affair

Highlights the somber and depressing nature of the event, focusing on its unpleasant and cheerless aspects.

a wretched episode

Emphasizes the miserable and unfortunate nature of the event, suggesting a state of deep unhappiness.

an unfortunate circumstance

Shifts the focus to the external factors and conditions that led to the event, rather than the act itself.

FAQs

How can I use "an awful act" in a sentence?

You can use "an awful act" to describe a morally wrong or extremely unpleasant action. For example, "The community was shocked by the news of "an awful act" that occurred last night".

What are some alternatives to saying "an awful act"?

Alternatives include "a heinous crime", "a terrible deed", or "an atrocious offense". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

What makes something qualify as "an awful act"?

An act is typically described as "awful" when it causes significant harm, distress, or suffering, and violates moral or ethical standards. The term suggests a strong negative reaction to the action.

Is it appropriate to use "an awful act" in formal writing?

Yes, "an awful act" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news reports or legal documents, to describe a serious offense. However, consider the specific tone and audience, and ensure the language is objective and not overly emotional.