lewd act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lewd act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is sexually inappropriate or offensive. Example: "The defendant was charged with committing a lewd act in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Prosecutors instead charged Campbell with a lewd act.

The New York Times - Sports

David Turpin was charged with a lewd act against one of his daughters.

The Guardian

In 1998 he was arrested in California for "engaging in a lewd act" in a public toilet.

Independent

Paul J. Browne, the department's chief spokesman, said they took no action because there was no lewd act.

The New York Times

David Turpin is additionally charged with committing a lewd act on one of the female children by force.

The Washington Post

George Michael Michael publicly confessed his sexuality on CNN in 1998 after being caught performing a "lewd act" in a public restroom.

Independent

He came out as gay following his arrest in April 1998 for engaging in "a lewd act" in front of an undercover police officer in Beverly Hills.

The Guardian - Music

That was how John Eason, the man convicted of committing a lewd act on a child, said he felt as he left his hearing, his application denied.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He has been charged with 23 counts of lewd acts upon a child.

The New York Times

The revised charges against the Garridos include kidnapping, forcible rape and lewd acts on a child.

The New York Times

But she strongly denied committing any lewd acts or child abuse.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "lewd act", be specific about the context and actions involved to avoid ambiguity, especially in legal or formal documentation.

Common error

Avoid using "lewd act" as a catch-all term for any perceived sexual impropriety. Ensure the action genuinely meets the legal or commonly understood definition of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lewd act" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb in legal or journalistic contexts to describe a specific type of illegal or inappropriate behavior. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lewd act" is a common noun phrase primarily used in legal and news contexts to describe sexually inappropriate or offensive behaviors. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and its prevalence in reputable sources. While the phrase itself is relatively neutral in tone, it carries a strong connotation due to the nature of the actions it describes. When using "lewd act", specificity and sensitivity are key to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation. Alternative phrases, such as "indecent behavior" or "sexual misconduct", may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indecent behavior

Replaces the legal term with a more general description of inappropriate conduct.

obscene conduct

Similar to "lewd act" but focuses on the offensive nature of the behavior.

indecent exposure

Specifically refers to exposing oneself inappropriately in public.

sexual misconduct

A broader term encompassing various types of inappropriate sexual behavior.

sexual offense

A general term for any crime of a sexual nature.

offensive sexual behavior

Emphasizes the offensive aspect of the action.

inappropriate sexual conduct

Highlights the inappropriateness of the behavior in a given context.

sexually suggestive act

Focuses on the suggestive nature of the action, which may not be explicitly sexual.

lascivious behavior

Implies a strong and overt sexual desire or intent.

immoral act

Broadens the scope to any action considered morally wrong, including sexual impropriety.

FAQs

What does "lewd act" mean?

A "lewd act" typically refers to an action that is sexually offensive or inappropriate, often violating community standards of decency. The specific definition can vary depending on legal jurisdictions.

What are some examples of a "lewd act"?

Examples of a "lewd act" could include indecent exposure, public masturbation, or sexually explicit behavior performed in a public setting.

What is the difference between a "lewd act" and "sexual assault"?

A "lewd act" does not necessarily involve physical contact or coercion, while "sexual assault" involves non-consensual sexual contact.

What are some alternative phrases for "lewd act"?

Alternatives for "lewd act" include "indecent behavior", "obscene conduct", or "sexual misconduct", depending on the specific context.