ill deeds

USAGE SUMMARY

'ill deeds' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to behavior that is morally wrong or bad. For example: "He endured the consequences of his ill deeds for years before confessing his wrongdoings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In line with this increase, the volume of data generated is enormous and has attracted malefactors who do ill deeds to others.

Data & Knowledge Engineering

Mr. Smith is perfect as the impeccable, blue-blazered Dirk, who we eventually learn is a banker somehow involved in ill deeds.

The New York Times

All we know is that this bunch of hell-spawned misfits have been recruited for a hopeless mission by boss lady Amanda Waller (Viola Davies) in exchange for the commutation of their sentences for previous ill deeds.

Independent

Since the article began by suggesting that France is worthy of nuclear weapons, since they will not use them for ill deeds, the idea of giving them nuclear technology would now seem logical.

Stanford University

William Shakespeare, speaking through one of his characters in The Comedy of Errors, articulated a very important psychological insight: "Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word". Words act as multipliers — they're powerful.

Harvard Business Review

Tangled conspiracies at the highest echelons of power and finance are the lifeblood of thrillers, but this one — energy company executives ruthlessly conspiring to bury evidence of their toxic ill deeds — feels tonally out of date.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It seems, however, that the ill deed was caught on Greg's neighbour's security camera.

BBC

The boy seemed set for a life of ill-deeds.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mussolini, Franco, even Stalin, left nothing like the same international legacy of their ill-deeds.

The Guardian

The music's top notch too: this is arguably the best Bristolian take on underwater giallo/italo we've ever heard, and it sort of makes us want to glide through retrofuturst landscapes late at night in a black Lamborghini, doing all manner of ill-deeds.

Vice

But it does so in terms of societies and characters who influence and accompany the soul for good or ill: beauty, good deeds and fellowship.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ill deeds", ensure the context clearly indicates morally wrong or harmful actions. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to add emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "ill deeds" in casual conversation. Opt for more common alternatives like "bad actions" or "wrongful acts" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill deeds" functions as a noun phrase describing actions that are morally wrong or harmful. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ill deeds" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe morally wrong or harmful actions. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency is relatively uncommon compared to simpler alternatives like "bad actions". It's most often found in news, academic, and literary contexts where a more formal or impactful tone is desired. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its connotation of serious wrongdoing to maximize its effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evil actions

Replaces "deeds" with "actions" for a more straightforward expression of wrongdoing.

wrongful acts

Substitutes "ill" with "wrongful" and "deeds" with "acts", emphasizing the unjust nature of the actions.

misdeeds

A single-word alternative that directly conveys the idea of bad or immoral actions.

bad actions

Uses simpler language, replacing "ill" with "bad" for easier comprehension.

immoral behaviors

Replaces "deeds" with "behaviors", focusing on the ethical implications of the actions.

unethical acts

Highlights the lack of ethical principles in the actions performed.

nefarious deeds

Employs a more dramatic and literary tone to describe wicked actions.

reprehensible actions

Emphasizes the blameworthy and unacceptable nature of the actions.

wicked acts

Uses the word "wicked" to describe actions that are morally very wrong.

dishonorable acts

Focuses on the lack of honor or integrity in the actions performed.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "ill deeds"?

Alternatives for "ill deeds" include "evil actions", "wrongful acts", or "misdeeds", which all convey a sense of morally wrong or harmful actions.

How does the connotation of "ill deeds" compare to "bad deeds"?

"Ill deeds" carries a slightly more formal or literary connotation than the simpler "bad deeds", suggesting a more profound level of wrongdoing. "Ill deeds" might be preferred in contexts where a more impactful expression is desired.

What's the best way to use "ill deeds" in a sentence?

Use "ill deeds" when you want to emphasize the moral wrongness or harmfulness of someone's actions. For example, "The consequences of their ill deeds haunted them for years."

Is "ill deeds" a common phrase in contemporary English?

While grammatically correct, "ill deeds" isn't as common as phrases like "bad actions" or "wrongful acts". Its use often adds a touch of formality or archaism to the writing.