an extraordinary action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extraordinary action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is remarkable, exceptional, or out of the ordinary in various contexts, such as storytelling, analysis, or commentary. Example: "The hero's decision to save the village from destruction was truly an extraordinary action that inspired everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"It is an extraordinary action from a state-owned bank which still owes billions to taxpayers.

Independent

Short of an extraordinary action, said the sources, it will not reach an Assembly vote.

The New York Times

Reporting stolen goods should be a routine part of the job, not an extraordinary action worthy of special consideration.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We have never witnessed such an extraordinary action during a federal election campaign," he said in a statement.

The Guardian

Technically, shareholders voted on the move but it takes an extraordinary action, and extraordinary publicity, to block motions proposed by a company's management.

The Economist

Originally released on Dreamcast in 2000, Fur Fighters was an extraordinary action adventure, combining puzzles, platforming and anarchic humour into one dark cartoon world.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It can explain the motivation of an otherwise extraordinary action – something that might appear out of character, there only to further the plot.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Laak, who is nicknamed the Unabomber because of his trademark hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses, would frequently gesticulate wildly at the laptop computer screen and repeatedly referred to the computer's play as "sick" — his way of describing an unexpected or extraordinary action on the part of the machine.

The New York Times

Both he and Kramer have waived their right to present a defense of "necessity", meaning they can't offer evidence to build a case that the water shutoffs presented an immediate danger requiring extraordinary action.

The Guardian

Booker's extraordinary action should be a once-in-a-lifetime story, but it's not.

Huffington Post

As Justice Breyer convincingly explains, this case involves nothing close to the kind of recalcitrance by a state high court that warrants extraordinary action by this court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extraordinary action" to emphasize the exceptional nature of a decision or event, especially when it deviates from typical behavior or expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "an extraordinary action" to describe routine or commonplace events. Reserve it for truly remarkable situations to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extraordinary action" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes something noteworthy or exceptional, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extraordinary action" is a noun phrase used to describe a remarkable or exceptional event. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and finds use across various authoritative sources. While not overly frequent, it's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts where emphasis on the exceptional nature of an action is desired. When writing, it is crucial to reserve the term for situations that truly warrant such emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable deed

Emphasizes the praiseworthy nature of the action.

an exceptional act

Highlights the action's deviation from the norm in terms of quality.

an unprecedented step

Focuses on the action being novel and without prior example.

a singular event

Underscores the uniqueness and rarity of the action.

an unparalleled move

Stresses the action's unmatched nature in terms of scale or impact.

a noteworthy undertaking

Highlights the significance and importance of the action.

a momentous decision

Focuses on the action as a critical turning point.

a heroic feat

Emphasizes the courage and selflessness associated with the action.

a ground-breaking initiative

Stresses the action's innovative and transformative qualities.

an unconventional measure

Highlights the action's departure from established norms or practices.

FAQs

How can I use "an extraordinary action" in a sentence?

You can use "an extraordinary action" to describe a remarkable or exceptional event. For instance, "The rescue team's efforts were "an extraordinary action", saving countless lives."

What are some alternatives to "an extraordinary action"?

Alternatives include "a remarkable deed", "an exceptional act", or "an unprecedented step". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an extraordinary action"?

Use "an extraordinary action" when you want to emphasize that a particular action is exceptional, noteworthy, and goes beyond what is typically expected or observed.

Is "an extraordinary action" formal or informal?

"An extraordinary action" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the situation and the degree of emphasis you want to place on the action's exceptional nature rather than on the formality of the setting.