stuff of action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stuff of action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe elements or components that are essential for creating or driving action in a narrative or situation. Example: "The plot of the movie was filled with the stuff of action, including thrilling chases and intense confrontations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A look back is the stuff of "Action, and Action Now: FDR's First 100 Days," an exhibition at the Roosevelt presidential library in Hyde Park, N.Y.

The New York Times

(3of3) #Reuters — Shiva Balaghi (@SBalaghi) 30 Mar 12 Ms. Balaghi suggested that something about the images of the young Iranian women wielding swords and running up walls struck journalists used to thinking of ninja moves as the stuff of action movies and video games as inherently funny.

The New York Times

If you think asteroid impacts are just the stuff of action movies, think again. .

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Eventually, however, the actual tasks that officials set themselves to doing are issuing statements and making phone calls and receiving updates -- not exactly the stuff of action-movie montages.

Huffington Post

The local secondary, Highfields, was given a notice to improve last autumn, but is stuffed full of action plans.

The Guardian - Money

For lawyers, it's the stuff of class-action lawsuits.

Forbes

That kind of difference is the stuff of consumer class action lawsuits".

TechCrunch

He's been around for years, he's done movies with John Woo, lots of action stuff.

Vice

"Many countries went ahead and did their own stuff, independent of the lack of action in the U.S".

The New York Times

The Cabinet Office minister, Ben Gummer, said: "No longer the stuff of spy thrillers and action movies, cyber-attacks are a reality and they are happening now.

The Guardian - Tech

Speaking before the launch, the Cabinet Office minister Ben Gummer said cyber warfare was "no longer the stuff of spy thrillers and action movies... Our adversaries are varied – organised criminal groups, 'hacktivists', untrained teenagers and foreign states".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stuff of action" to describe the elements that make a story, situation, or event particularly exciting or dynamic. It often implies that something has the qualities necessary for creating a thrilling narrative or outcome.

Common error

Avoid overusing "stuff of action" in contexts that are mundane or lack genuine excitement. The phrase is most effective when highlighting truly dynamic or impactful elements, not everyday occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stuff of action" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, describing its essential qualities. It characterizes something as having the necessary elements for creating exciting or dynamic events. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it highlights key components that make up a narrative or situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stuff of action" is a phrase used to describe the key elements that make a narrative or situation dynamic and exciting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase modifier. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While not overly frequent, it effectively highlights the thrilling aspects of a story or event. Remember to use it when emphasizing the presence of truly exciting elements, avoiding overuse in mundane situations. Consider alternatives like "elements of action" or "ingredients for action" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elements of action

Focuses on the components that make up action, rather than the potential for action.

ingredients for action

Emphasizes the necessary components required to create action.

source of dynamism

Highlights the origin or cause of active energy or change.

basis for activity

Suggests a foundational element upon which activity is built.

foundation of action

Indicates a more substantial and fundamental aspect that supports action.

catalyst for events

Emphasizes the role of something that triggers or accelerates a series of events.

driving force behind events

Focuses on the power that propels a sequence of events forward.

materials for a narrative

Highlights the building blocks used in constructing a story.

source of excitement

Points to the origin of thrilling or stimulating experiences.

basis for thrilling scenes

Highlights what creates exciting or suspenseful moments.

FAQs

How can I use "stuff of action" in a sentence?

You can use "stuff of action" to describe the elements that contribute to excitement or dynamism in a narrative or situation. For example, "The movie plot was filled with the "stuff of action", including thrilling chases and intense confrontations."

What are some alternatives to "stuff of action"?

Alternatives include "elements of action", "ingredients for action", or "source of dynamism" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "stuff of action" in formal writing?

Yes, "stuff of action" is grammatically correct and can be used in various writing contexts, including formal writing, although it's most common in describing narratives or events.

What does "stuff of action" typically refer to?

"Stuff of action" generally refers to the key elements or components that make something exciting, dynamic, or suspenseful, often found in stories, movies, or real-life events.