good deed

USAGE SUMMARY

"good deed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is morally right or kind. For example, "He did a good deed by donating money to the charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His One Good Deed.

The New York Times

"No good deed goes unpunished".

The New York Times

"No good deed goes unpunished," he said.

The New York Times

But beware, no good deed goes unpunished.

The New York Times

To honor him, do a good deed.

The New York Times

Should personal scandals negate the good deed?

The New York Times - Sports

But no good deed goes unpunished.

The New York Times

No good deed, it seems, goes unpunished.

The Guardian - Opinion

Plus, you do a good deed.

The New York Times

He has done a good deed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It was doing-a-good-deed-related".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good deed" to describe a specific act of kindness or assistance, especially when emphasizing the positive moral character of the action. For instance, "Volunteering at the local shelter is a "good deed" that benefits the entire community."

Common error

While "good deed" is a common and acceptable phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "act of kindness" or "benevolent act" to maintain reader engagement and avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good deed" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "good" modifies the noun "deed". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It commonly acts as the object of a verb, describing an action that is considered morally right or kind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good deed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an act of kindness or moral righteousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. The phrase enjoys widespread use across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, as well as in more informal communications. While often used to highlight virtuous actions, it is essential to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "act of kindness" or "benevolent act" for stylistic variation. Doing so will ensure that your writing remains engaging and avoids sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act of kindness

Focuses on the kindness aspect of the action, highlighting the compassionate nature.

benevolent act

Emphasizes the charitable and well-meaning nature of the action.

charitable act

Specifically refers to acts of giving or helping those in need.

altruistic gesture

Highlights the selflessness of the action, performed without expecting personal gain.

humanitarian effort

Refers to larger-scale actions aimed at improving the well-being of others.

service to others

Emphasizes the act of providing help or assistance to other people.

selfless act

Highlights that the action is performed without thinking about personal benefits.

act of compassion

Stresses the empathy and concern for others that motivates the action.

noble gesture

Suggests that the action is morally admirable and honorable.

virtuous act

Focuses on the moral excellence and righteousness of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "good deed" in a sentence?

You can use "good deed" to describe an act of kindness or help someone provides. For example, "She performed a "good deed" by donating blood" or "He considered helping the elderly woman cross the street a "good deed"".

What are some alternatives to saying "good deed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "act of kindness", "benevolent act", or "charitable act" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to describe an action as a "good deed"?

While generally positive, labeling an action as a "good deed" can sometimes sound self-righteous. Consider the context and the perception of the recipient. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness is best left unlabeled.

What is the origin of the phrase "good deed"?

The phrase "good deed" has been in use for centuries, derived from the basic understanding of "good" as morally right and "deed" as an action or accomplishment. It signifies an action that is morally commendable.