as a vendetta

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a vendetta" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that is motivated by a desire for revenge or retribution. Example: "His actions against the company were driven as a vendetta after he was unfairly dismissed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"The professor framed it as a vendetta," she said.

The New York Times

"He started this as a vendetta against other residents".

The New York Times

Liu Xia has decried the conviction and sentencing as a vendetta against the whole family.

The Guardian

But other members of her party acknowledged that there is a risk if her investigation becomes seen as a vendetta.

The New York Times

He described HUD's decision to withhold aid as "a vendetta because I would not participate in a corrupt scheme".

The New York Times

The Grand Plot, hatched over several months, has been exposed not as a crusade, but as a vendetta.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Nor is there any suggestion that the government targeted Mr. Swartz for prosecution based on personal or political reasons, or as part of a vendetta against political foes, as in the horrendously unfair federal prosecution of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman.

Huffington Post

I think perhaps "a vendetta" works as well as any.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Karunanidhi's arrest was widely seen as part of a vendetta by Jayalalitha.

The New York Times

Officers were under internal, as well as public, pressure to catch the gunman, who shot and blinded a patrol car driver, PC David Rathband, as part of a vendetta against the force.

The Guardian

But the real reason for Mr. Rattner's departure, which had been whispered across Wall Street for weeks and around his hometown, Rye, N.Y., after it was circulated as part of a vendetta on the Internet, was much more complicated, painful and personal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a vendetta", ensure the context clearly establishes a pre-existing grievance or conflict that motivates the action being described. This clarifies the intent and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "as a vendetta" to describe actions that stem from misunderstanding or miscommunication. A vendetta implies a deliberate and sustained campaign of retribution, not a simple disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a vendetta" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the motive or purpose behind an action. It suggests that something is being done with the specific intention of revenge or retribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a vendetta" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to describe actions driven by revenge. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is indeed correct and its usage leans towards neutral and formal contexts, particularly within news and media. While not exceedingly common, it's important to wield this phrase with care, ensuring that the context supports the strong implication of vengeful intent. Understanding the subtle difference between a vendetta and simple retribution is key to accurate and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated by revenge

Focuses on the underlying motivation for actions, shifting from a noun phrase to an adjectival phrase.

driven by vengeance

Highlights the driving force of revenge, employing a participial phrase.

out of spite

Emphasizes the malicious intent behind an action, using a prepositional phrase.

in retaliation for

Specifies the action being responded to, using a prepositional phrase indicating cause and effect.

avenging a wrong

Focuses on the act of correcting a perceived injustice through revenge, using a participial phrase.

seeking retribution

Focuses on the act of seeking revenge, using a gerund phrase.

a quest for revenge

Emphasizes the long-term pursuit of revenge, using a noun phrase.

with malice aforethought

Highlights the premeditated nature of the revenge, employing a more formal and legalistic tone.

vindictive action

Highlights the spiteful nature of the action, using an adjective to describe the action itself.

to settle a score

Suggests a desire to balance a past wrong, using an idiomatic phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "as a vendetta" in a sentence?

You can use "as a vendetta" to describe an action that is motivated by a desire for revenge. For example, "The lawsuit was seen "as a vendetta" against his former employer".

What are some alternatives to using "as a vendetta"?

Some alternatives include "out of revenge", "motivated by spite", or "seeking retribution", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "as a vendetta" and "as retribution"?

"As a vendetta" implies a more prolonged and personal campaign of revenge, whereas "as retribution" suggests a more immediate and proportionate response to a specific wrong.

Is it appropriate to use "as a vendetta" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as a vendetta" can carry a strong emotional charge. Consider whether a more neutral term, such as "motivated by revenge", might be more suitable for formal or academic contexts.