bad acts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad acts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to wrongful or immoral actions, often in legal or ethical contexts. Example: "The defendant was charged with several bad acts that violated the law and harmed the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sometimes bad acts produce good outcomes.

The New York Times

Networked smartphones could easily track bad acts.

Harvard Business Review

Some bad acts can be tolerated.

The Washington Post

"Well, bad acts lead to bad publicity".

The New York Times

But previous bad acts still influence behavior.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes good people commit bad acts.

The New York Times - Magazine

9 2 2 PRIOR BAD ACTS, by Tami Hoag.

The New York Times

For the government to prevail in a conspiracy case, it must prove that bad acts in the past presage bad acts in the future.

The New York Times

"We've never heard or seen any bad acts from him — all good deeds all the time".

The New York Times

This sort of testimony is known in the courts as "prior bad acts" evidence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Pennsylvania case against Cosby shows how damaging prior-bad-acts evidence can be.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "bad acts" to refer to specific actions that violate laws or regulations. This helps provide clarity and focus in legal discussions.

Common error

While "bad acts" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal or legalistic in casual conversation. Opt for more colloquial terms like "mistakes" or "missteps" to keep the tone appropriate for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad acts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to specific actions that are considered wrongful or immoral. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad acts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to categorize wrongful or immoral actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in neutral to formal contexts such as news, academia, and law, it's crucial to consider the audience and setting when selecting this phrase. While highly versatile, in very informal settings more casual alternatives may suit your style better. As examples on Ludwig show, the phrase is used with high frequency in reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misdeeds

A more formal synonym emphasizing moral wrongdoing.

wrongdoings

Similar to "misdeeds" but can apply to both moral and legal contexts.

misdemeanors

Specifically refers to minor offenses or illegal acts.

transgressions

Suggests a violation of rules, laws, or moral boundaries.

offenses

A broad term that includes any violation of the law.

unethical behavior

Focuses on actions that violate principles of right and wrong.

illicit activities

Highlights the unlawful or forbidden nature of the actions.

criminal acts

Specifically refers to actions that are punishable by law.

improper conduct

Emphasizes behavior that is inappropriate or unacceptable in a given setting.

unlawful deeds

Combines the concepts of illegality and action.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "bad acts"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "misdeeds", "wrongdoings", or "offenses".

Is "bad acts" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "bad acts" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is frequently used in legal, news, and academic contexts. More informal alternatives might include "mistakes" or "wrongdoings".

How can I use the phrase "bad acts" in a sentence?

You can use "bad acts" to refer to wrongful or immoral actions. For example: "The report detailed several instances of "bad acts" committed by the company's executives."

What's the difference between "bad acts" and "criminal acts"?

"Criminal acts" specifically refer to actions that are illegal and punishable by law, whereas "bad acts" is a broader term that can include actions that are morally wrong but not necessarily illegal. You can also consider using the term "illicit activities".