commit an act

USAGE SUMMARY

"commit an act" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a deed or action, usually of a negative nature. Example: The perpetrator had committed a heinous act of violence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So when a group of extremists commit an act of terrorism, they are not acting in the way of God as established by the Qur'an.

Huffington Post

Did somebody commit an act of hubris that displeased the gods?

The New York Times - Sports

The 9/11 hijackers were not soldiers; they did not commit an act of war.

The New York Times

So we cannot now risk waiting for someone to commit an act.

The Guardian

"We don't think that someone can commit an act like that for one reason," Doueiri told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

He tried to explain why some are choosing to commit an act that was outlawed in 1835.

The Guardian

"My position was that I was determined to commit an act of civil disobedience," Mr. Sharpton said.

The New York Times

Then, she said, he threatened to find her and commit an act of sexual violence too graphic to describe in a newspaper.

The New York Times

If you're having trouble figuring out what the dances are, I am happy to commit an act of public service and list them for you.

The New York Times

THE FORBIDDEN IMAGE: AN INTELLECTUAL HISTORY OF ICONOCLASM.By Alain Besancon.University of Chicago; 440 pages; $40 and £25.50KISS a snapshot and you commit an act of idolatry.

The Economist

The charges are conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries and two charges related to murder-for-hire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commit an act", ensure the act is clearly defined or understood within the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the type of act (e.g., "commit an act of violence" or "commit an act of kindness").

Common error

Avoid using "commit an act" when a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of "commit an act of theft", consider using "steal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commit an act" functions as a verb phrase where 'commit' is the verb indicating the performance or perpetration of an action, and 'an act' is the direct object, specifying the action being performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commit an act" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the performance of an action. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English and can refer to both positive and negative deeds. Its usage is frequent across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science, indicating a formal tone. For alternative phrasing, you might consider "perform an action" or "carry out a deed", among others. When employing the phrase, clarity is key to prevent ambiguity, and it's crucial to consider whether a more specific verb might enhance the writing's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform an action

Replaces "act" with "action", providing a slightly more general alternative.

carry out a deed

Substitutes "commit" with "carry out" and "act" with "deed", altering the tone slightly.

undertake a task

Shifts the focus to a specific task or undertaking, implying a more deliberate action.

engage in behavior

Replaces "commit an act" with a broader reference to behavior.

perpetrate an offense

Implies wrongdoing or illegal activity.

execute a maneuver

Suggests a strategic or planned action, often in a specific context.

enact a measure

Refers specifically to the implementation of a law or policy.

effectuate a change

Highlights the achievement or bringing about of a change.

take an initiative

Emphasizes the proactive nature of starting an action.

launch a project

Specifically refers to starting a defined project or endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "commit an act" in a sentence?

You can use "commit an act" to describe performing an action, often one that is formal or significant. For example: "He decided to commit an act of bravery" or "They conspired to commit an act of terrorism".

What can I say instead of "commit an act"?

You can use alternatives like "perform an action", "carry out a deed", or "undertake a task" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "commit an act"?

While often used in negative contexts (e.g., "commit a crime"), "commit an act" is not inherently negative. It simply refers to performing an action, which could be positive, neutral, or negative depending on the specific act.

Which is correct: "commit an act" or "do an act"?

"Commit an act" is generally more formal and suggests a deliberate or significant action. "Do an act" is more informal and general. The better choice depends on the context and desired tone. Generally, "commit an act" is used for more serious or formal situations.