brutal acts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brutal acts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe violent or harsh actions, often in a context discussing crime, war, or extreme behavior. Example: "The report detailed the brutal acts committed during the conflict, shocking the international community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brutal acts of warfare cannot be combated with diplomacy.

The Washington Post

There have been brutal acts by both sides.

The New York Times

The group, he said, had committed "brutal acts of war".

The New York Times

They must not use coarse language or commit brutal acts.

The New Yorker

Fourth, in the Philippines and India, there is an eliminationist rationale for the regime's brutal acts.

Yale University

"The UK will stand with Uganda in fighting such brutal acts of violence and terror".

Independent

The world must stand together to unequivocally reject these brutal acts".

The New York Times

With his innocent victims thus represented, Macbeth's brutal acts are somewhat denuded of their malevolence.

The New York Times

Most cartel assassins do not carry out these brutal acts because they are high on drugs.

The New York Times

They have been carrying out "virtual" brutal acts from a young age.

The Guardian

Survival sometimes required brutal acts; human sacrifice was commonplace, as were executions.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific events, use "brutal acts" to convey the severity and inhumane nature of the actions. Be specific about what made the acts "brutal" to add clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "brutal acts" in contexts where the actions are not genuinely severe or inhumane. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility; use more appropriate descriptors for lesser offenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brutal acts" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "brutal" intensifies the noun "acts", emphasizing their extreme cruelty and inhumanity. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, where the phrase describes severe and violent actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brutal acts" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions characterized by extreme cruelty and inhumanity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, notably news, academia, and formal business communication. The frequency and consistent usage of "brutal acts" across authoritative sources underscore its effectiveness in conveying the severity of violent or inhumane actions. While synonyms such as "savage acts" or "violent acts" offer alternatives, "brutal acts" maintains a specific emphasis on the inhumane nature of the described conduct. Therefore, when describing egregious events, "brutal acts" serves as a powerful and appropriate descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

savage acts

Emphasizes the primitive or uncivilized nature of the actions.

violent acts

Focuses on the physical force and aggression involved.

heinous acts

Highlights the shocking and wicked nature of the actions.

callous acts

Underscores the indifference and lack of empathy behind the actions.

ruthless acts

Highlights the merciless and pitiless nature of the actions.

barbaric acts

Implies a lack of civilization and extreme cruelty.

vicious acts

Stresses the malicious intent and severity of the actions.

merciless acts

Emphasizes the lack of compassion or forgiveness in the actions.

brutish acts

Suggests actions characteristic of an unreasoning animal or crude person.

ferocious acts

Highlights the wild and intense nature of the actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "brutal acts" to describe severe and inhumane actions, for example: "The report detailed the "brutal acts" committed during the war."

What are some synonyms for "brutal acts"?

Alternatives to "brutal acts" include "savage acts", "violent acts", or "heinous acts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "brutal acts" in formal writing?

Yes, "brutal acts" is appropriate for formal writing when describing severe and inhumane actions, particularly in reports, analyses, or historical accounts.

What distinguishes "brutal acts" from "violent acts"?

"Brutal acts" typically imply a higher degree of cruelty and inhumanity compared to "violent acts", which can encompass a broader range of forceful actions.