atrocious acts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "atrocious acts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions that are extremely bad or shocking, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "The report detailed the atrocious acts committed during the conflict, leaving the community in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Compared with such atrocious acts, life is better and freer in most of today's China.

The Economist

"American soldiers committed atrocious acts, but in war such things happen," he said.

The New Yorker

Yet time and again, such atrocious acts are completely dismissed by both the media and the Israeli military apparatus.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Sometimes I thought it was just my platoon, my company, that was committing atrocious acts, and what bad luck it was to get in it," Reid said.

The New Yorker

Once this has occurred it permits atrocious acts and attitudes to be visited on those over whom power and control are exercised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our English word "assassin" is derived from the Arabic hashish, under the influence of which this long-defunct Islamic cult — "history's first terrorists," to cite the jacket copy of Bernard Lewis's book — was believed to commit its atrocious acts.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Nonetheless, the Ethiopian government condemns the atrocious act".

Independent

"This atrocious act will not be tolerated and such violence has no place in Canada".

The Guardian

In a statement on the center's Web site, a spokeswoman called the fire an "arson attack" and an "atrocious act of terrorism".

The New York Times

The CIA has apparently a Russian mole in its ranks: a "sleeper" agent ready to carry out an atrocious act, and this is Evelyn herself!

The Guardian - Film

[emphasis added]The videos of couch-bound bin Laden seem hard to square with the idea of an active criminal mastermind energetically plotting his next atrocious act of international terrorism against America.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "atrocious acts", ensure the context clearly establishes the moral or ethical violation, reinforcing the gravity of the actions described.

Common error

Avoid using "atrocious acts" to describe minor inconveniences or simple mistakes. This phrase should be reserved for actions that are truly heinous and morally reprehensible to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "atrocious acts" is to serve as a noun phrase that functions as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes actions characterized by extreme wickedness or brutality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "atrocious acts" is a noun phrase used to describe actions of extreme wickedness or brutality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal and neutral contexts, often appearing in news and media. When using "atrocious acts", it's crucial to reserve it for genuinely heinous actions to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "heinous deeds" and "horrendous actions" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heinous deeds

Replaces "acts" with "deeds" and "atrocious" with "heinous", both emphasizing wickedness.

horrendous actions

Substitutes "atrocious" with "horrendous" and "acts" with "actions", focusing on the shocking nature of the events.

appalling behaviors

Uses "appalling" instead of "atrocious" and "behaviors" for "acts", highlighting the shocking and unacceptable nature.

despicable offenses

Replaces "atrocious" with "despicable" and "acts" with "offenses", both words conveying strong disapproval.

unspeakable crimes

Substitutes "atrocious" with "unspeakable" and "acts" with "crimes", intensifying the gravity of the actions.

abominable misdeeds

Uses "abominable" in place of "atrocious" and "misdeeds" for "acts", both lending a sense of moral repugnance.

shocking transgressions

Replaces "atrocious" with "shocking" and "acts" with "transgressions", focusing on the violation of moral boundaries.

egregious violations

Substitutes "atrocious" with "egregious" and "acts" with "violations", highlighting the blatant nature of the wrongdoing.

dreadful atrocities

Uses a noun form of the adjective "atrocious" to intensify the degree of horribleness.

unforgivable acts of cruelty

Adds the qualifier "of cruelty" to further emphasize the inhumane nature of the "acts".

FAQs

How can I use "atrocious acts" in a sentence?

You can use "atrocious acts" to describe events that are extremely wicked or brutal, such as "The report detailed the "atrocious acts" committed during the war."

What are some alternatives to "atrocious acts"?

Some alternatives include "heinous deeds", "horrendous actions", or "despicable offenses", all conveying a sense of moral outrage and severity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "atrocious acts"?

It is appropriate to use "atrocious acts" when referring to actions that are extremely brutal, wicked, or shockingly cruel. Ensure the context warrants such a strong condemnation.

Is "atrocious acts" formal or informal language?

"Atrocious acts" is considered neutral to formal language and is suitable for use in news reports, academic papers, and professional discussions where the gravity of the subject matter is being emphasized.