nefarious deeds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nefarious deeds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions that are wicked, villainous, or morally wrong. Example: "The villain was known for his nefarious deeds, which included theft and betrayal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Both have very active spy agencies and regularly accuse each other of nefarious deeds.

The New York Times

No evidence has surfaced linking either Clinton to these nefarious deeds.

The Guardian - Opinion

QUESTION FROM JONATHAN ZWERGEL: What do you think about SPECTRE and their nefarious deeds?

The New Yorker

It is neither good nor bad, but it may be used for constructive purposes as well as for nefarious deeds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before long he stumbles onto intrigue and nefarious deeds that lead him back into his own personal history.

The New York Times - Books

KIDNAPPINGS for ransom, drug-smuggling, fake invoicing and extortion are just a few of the ways in which terrorists raise cash for their nefarious deeds.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Name a government that doesn't have its hands dirty with some nefarious deed at home or abroad.

The Guardian

It's about a group of friends who receive the same letter, signed "Your Caretaker", asking them to do something dreadful … all because of their nefarious deed one night in the California desert.

The Guardian - Books

They raise sensational allegations against Mr. Lee and his aides but couch them in phrases like "It is possible to conjecture...," "There is enough circumstantial evidence to suggest... " and their favorite: "Of course, we don't believe that His Highness would have committed such a nefarious deed".

The New York Times

Stone has had a perma-tanned hand in just about every nefarious deed carried out by the forces of the American conservative movement in the past half century, from Watergate right up to the election of perhaps the least qualified man in history to hold the office of US president.

The Guardian - Film

Strike is subsequently asked by the minister for culture, Jasper Chiswell, to get dirt on the two men who are blackmailing him over a nefarious deed from his past: they are Jimmy Knight, Billy's older brother, and Geraint Winn, the husband of the minister for sport, Della Winn.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nefarious deeds", ensure the context clearly establishes the morally reprehensible nature of the actions being described. This phrase is best suited for situations where the actions are not only wrong but also display a deliberate intent to cause harm or exploit others.

Common error

Avoid using "nefarious deeds" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a formal and serious tone, making it unsuitable for lighthearted or everyday situations. Simpler alternatives like "bad actions" or "wrongdoings" are more appropriate in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nefarious deeds" functions as a noun phrase, where "nefarious" is an adjective modifying the noun "deeds". It describes actions characterized by wickedness or villainy. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nefarious deeds" is a phrase used to describe wicked, villainous, or morally wrong actions. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media, encyclopedia entries, and other contexts. While carrying a strong negative connotation, the term functions as a noun phrase and is generally considered neutral in register. If you need alternatives, you can use "wicked acts", "evil actions", or "criminal activities" depending on the specific context. The phrase is best suited for formal writing where there is a need to strongly condemn harmful actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wicked acts

Replaces "nefarious deeds" with a more common and simpler expression while retaining the negative connotation.

evil actions

Similar to "wicked acts", but with a stronger emphasis on the moral reprehensibility of the actions.

criminal activities

Focuses on the illegal nature of the actions, implying a violation of the law.

corrupt practices

Emphasizes the abuse of power or trust involved in the actions.

dishonorable conduct

Highlights the lack of integrity and ethical principles behind the actions.

unscrupulous behavior

Indicates a disregard for moral principles and a willingness to exploit others.

illegal schemes

Suggests a planned and organized effort to commit unlawful acts.

illicit operations

Focuses on the secretive and unauthorized nature of the actions.

dark schemes

A more figurative alternative, invoking a sense of mystery and hidden intent.

immoral acts

Highlights the lack of moral principles behind the actions.

FAQs

How to use "nefarious deeds" in a sentence?

Use "nefarious deeds" to describe wicked or villainous actions. For example, "The dictator was known for his "nefarious deeds" against the people."

What can I say instead of "nefarious deeds"?

You can use alternatives like "wicked acts", "evil actions", or "criminal activities" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "nefarious deeds" or "bad actions"?

"Nefarious deeds" carries a stronger connotation of wickedness and moral reprehensibility than "bad actions". Use "nefarious deeds" when emphasizing the villainous nature of the actions.

What's the difference between "nefarious deeds" and "corrupt practices"?

"Nefarious deeds" refers generally to wicked actions, while "corrupt practices" specifically implies an abuse of power or trust for personal gain. The best choice depends on the context of the sentence.