past deeds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past deeds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions or behaviors that someone has done in the past, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "His past deeds have shaped the way people perceive him in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The temporary measure gave the utilities immunity for future acts, but not past deeds.

The New York Times

This is no sympathetic lap of honour for past deeds; no orgy of nostalgia.

The Guardian - Music

Loyalty for past deeds will not guide the Red Sox in those negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

Those who die unprepared must be reborn (samsara) to live out the consequences of their past deeds (karma).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The moral energy of one's past deeds is conserved and automatically fructifies in the circumstances of a future life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another thing one might want to consider is to "accept" the pain as an offering for past deeds needing forgiveness.

Harvard University

With a substantial Polish community living in Germany it was simplistic to expect resentment at their opponents' past deeds.

The Guardian - Sport

One big difference is that the parents in "Clandestine Childhood" aren't fleeing the law because of their past deeds but are trying violently to overthrow a current dictatorship.

The New York Times

The average Turk knows even less about his country's past treatment of the Armenians, for example, than the average Englishman knows about his country's past deeds in Ireland.

The Economist

So long as one is driven by ignorance and desire and is encumbered by the residue of past deeds, death brings no cessation to repeated rebirth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Any investigation of dark past deeds would implicate the power structure that ran Mexico from 1929 until Mr. Fox unseated it: the Institutional Revolutionary Party.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or ethical contexts, use "past deeds" to refer to actions that may have consequences or require accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "past deeds" when simply referring to things that happened in the past. "Past deeds" carries a connotation of moral or ethical significance, unlike neutral "past events".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past deeds" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to actions or behaviors that have occurred in the past and often carries a connotation of moral or ethical implications, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "past deeds" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to actions or behaviors that have occurred in the past, frequently carrying a connotation of moral or ethical weight. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While applicable in everyday conversation, it's best suited for more formal writing where the implications of historical actions are under consideration. Related phrases include "previous actions", "former conduct", and "historical acts", each with slightly different nuances. When using "past deeds", ensure the context involves actions with moral or ethical implications, and avoid substituting it for neutral "past events".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past behavior

A more general term for actions exhibited in the past.

previous actions

Focuses on the actions themselves, rather than their moral or ethical implications.

former conduct

Emphasizes behavior or manner of acting in the past.

historical acts

Highlights the historical significance or impact of the actions.

prior misdeeds

Specifically refers to wrongful or immoral actions in the past.

earlier exploits

Often refers to adventurous or daring actions from the past.

old offenses

Highlights transgressions or violations that occurred in the past.

bygone behavior

Emphasizes that the behavior is from a time long past and no longer relevant.

antecedent activities

A more formal way to refer to activities that preceded the current situation.

preceding events

Focuses on occurrences or happenings that came before the present.

FAQs

How can I use "past deeds" in a sentence?

You can use "past deeds" to refer to actions that someone has done in the past, particularly when those actions have moral or ethical implications. For example, "His past deeds haunt him to this day."

What are some alternatives to "past deeds"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "previous actions", "former conduct", or "historical acts".

Is it correct to say "past deeds" or should I use another phrase?

"Past deeds" is a perfectly acceptable and grammatically sound phrase to use when referring to actions completed in the past that hold moral or ethical weight.

What's the difference between "past deeds" and "past behavior"?

"Past deeds" often implies a focus on specific actions with moral implications, whereas "past behavior" is a more general term for how someone acted in the past, without necessarily implying ethical judgment.