craven act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "craven act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is cowardly or lacking in courage, often in a negative context. Example: "The politician's decision to back down from the debate was seen as a craven act by his supporters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

And Sessions, too, must know that his craven act in firing McCabe will guarantee him nothing.

The New Yorker

"This craven act isn't who we are," said Judge Jeff Weill of Hinds County as he sentenced Mr. Dedmon, 19, to two concurrent life terms.

The New York Times

In Arizona, the law has energized politicians on both sides, including Carmona, who calls it "divisive" and a craven act of "political symbolism".

The New Yorker

Defending censorship, as Mo Yan did in Stockholm, was also an odd, not to say craven, act for a writer who sets such store on the freedom to tell stories.

The New York Times - Books

"If indeed this story is true, it's a craven act and we will use every legal means to stop its sale or purchase," John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, said in a statement.

Independent

"It is a craven act of appeasement by the government to the terrorists, and it should have been stopped long ago," Nick Hawkins, a Tory legal affairs spokesman, said in the House of Commons this month.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"No faith justifies these murderous and craven acts," he said.

The Economist

To the Minotaur, humanity consisted of loud noises and a series of cowardly and craven acts.

The New Yorker

"But this much we do know: No faith justifies these murderous and craven acts.

The New York Times

George W. Strawbridge Jr., a prominent breeder and owner, resigned from the group over that decision, calling it "one of the most craven acts" he had seen.

The New York Times

Questions could also be raised about the prejudicial effect of statements by military officials, and even by the commander in chief, President Obama, who spoke of the "murderous and craven acts" at the memorial service.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "craven act" when you want to emphasize both the cowardice and the reprehensibility of an action, particularly in contexts where moral judgment is central.

Common error

Avoid using "craven act" when simply describing a mistake or accident; it is reserved for actions that are deliberately cowardly and morally wrong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "craven act" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "craven" modifies the noun "act". Ludwig AI identifies its function primarily in contexts expressing strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "craven act" is a noun phrase used to describe an action that is both cowardly and morally reprehensible. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct, though not overly common, with primary usage in news and media contexts. Its purpose is to strongly condemn or criticize actions, emphasizing both cowardice and moral deficiency. Alternative phrases include "cowardly deed" or "despicable action". When using the phrase, ensure the context involves a deliberate and morally questionable decision, not merely a mistake.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cowardly deed

Replaces "craven" with "cowardly", focusing on the lack of courage involved.

despicable action

Emphasizes the contemptible nature of the action, rather than its cowardice.

contemptible act

Focuses on the action being worthy of contempt, similar to "despicable action".

ignoble deed

Highlights the lack of honor or nobility in the action.

shameful act

Emphasizes the disgracefulness of the action.

base action

Implies that the action is morally low or dishonorable.

pusillanimous act

Uses a more formal synonym for "cowardly", indicating timidity.

spineless action

Highlights the lack of resolve and moral strength.

abject action

Focuses on the utter degradation and lack of self-respect implied in the action.

reprehensible behavior

Shifts from a specific "act" to more general "behavior", indicating strong disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "craven act" in a sentence?

Use "craven act" to describe a cowardly and contemptible action. For instance, "The politician's sudden reversal was seen as a "craven act" of self-preservation".

What's a synonym for "craven act"?

Alternatives to "craven act" include "cowardly deed", "despicable action", or "shameful act" depending on which aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "craven act" a formal or informal expression?

"Craven act" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, particularly when discussing moral failings or political decisions. Its impact depends on the context and surrounding language.

What makes an action a "craven act"?

A "craven act" is characterized by both cowardice and a lack of moral integrity. It's not merely fearful behavior, but also implies a willingness to compromise principles for personal gain or safety.