committed an act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "committed an act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has performed a specific action, often with a connotation of wrongdoing or significance. Example: "He committed an act of bravery when he saved the child from the burning building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My husband never committed an act of domestic violence!

The New York Times

"He committed an act of terrorism," Mr. Ayers said.

The New York Times - Books

In choosing her, McCain committed an act of breathtaking heedlessness and irresponsibility.

The New Yorker

"Quite why you committed an act of utter folly is difficult to define.

Independent

I have never committed an act against republican principles or the law," he said.

The Guardian

The other half feels that Eden has committed an act of incredible folly.

The New Yorker

On Sept. 11, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country.

The New York Times

At the "21" Club, he committed an act of civil disobedience.

The New York Times

On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country.

The Guardian

Outside Mold crown court, Bhambra's family argued Davies had committed an act of terrorism.

The Guardian

He committed an act of "extreme cowardice", the Tunisian government said in a statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "committed an act" to denote a specific action, especially when it carries moral, ethical, or legal weight. This phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "committed an act" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "did something" or "took action" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "committed an act" functions as a verb phrase where "committed" is the main verb and "an act" is the direct object. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "committed an act" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to describe the performance of an action, often implying moral, ethical, or legal implications. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that while grammatically correct and valid, "committed an act" has a formal tone and should not be overused in informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "performed an action" or "carried out a deed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perpetrated an offense

Specifically refers to committing something illegal or morally wrong.

performed an action

Focuses on the execution of an action, more neutral in tone.

carried out a deed

Emphasizes the completion of a significant action, often with moral implications.

engaged in behavior

Highlights the manner of conduct or deportment exhibited.

undertook a measure

Suggests a deliberate and planned course of action.

executed a maneuver

Implies a strategic or skillful action, potentially in a challenging situation.

effected a change

Stresses the result or impact of an action, bringing about an alteration.

accomplished a feat

Emphasizes the successful completion of something difficult or impressive.

instigated an event

Highlights the starting or triggering of a particular occurrence.

enacted a process

Focuses on implementing a series of actions according to a defined procedure.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "committed an act"?

Alternatives include "performed an action", "carried out a deed", or "perpetrated an offense", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

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

This phrase is typically followed by a description of the act. For example, "He committed an act of bravery" or "She committed an act of vandalism".

Is "committed an act" formal or informal?

The phrase leans towards formality and is often found in news reports, legal documents, and academic writing. Simpler phrasing might be preferable for informal settings.

What is the difference between "committed an act" and "did something"?

"Committed an act" often implies a more deliberate or significant action, potentially with moral or legal consequences. "Did something" is more general and neutral in tone.