such an act

USAGE SUMMARY

"such an act" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any particular action or behavior, either to criticize it or to express admiration. For example, "Such an act of kindness to a stranger is to be commended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Was such an act necessary or indefensible?

The New York Times - Books

The US has such an act.

The Guardian

Such an act is a crime".

The Guardian

Such an act would have been impossible, they said.

The Guardian

Such an act is unacceptable in a democratic state".

The Guardian

The frivolity of such an act was surely beyond her.

The New Yorker

Such an act of retreat is short-sighted.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Such an act might deter other reckless, self-righteous volunteers".

The New York Times

"No one can give justification for such an act.

The New York Times

Such an act was finally passed in 2000.

The Guardian

I see no reason for such an act.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such an act" to refer back to a specific action that has already been described or is clearly understood from the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "such an act" in situations where the action being referred to is vague or undefined. Always ensure that the context makes it immediately clear what "such an act" is referring to, or it can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such an act" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, referring back to a specific action that has already been mentioned or is implied in the context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

27%

Science

19%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such an act" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer back to a specific action, often with an implied judgment or evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is prevalent in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "such an act", ensure the context clearly identifies the action being referenced. Alternatives like "this kind of action" or "that sort of deed" can be used to subtly adjust the tone or emphasis. Remember to prioritize clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this kind of action

Uses "action" instead of "act" and "this kind of" for a slightly more specific reference.

such behavior

Replaces "act" with "behavior", focusing on the overall conduct rather than a specific action.

that sort of deed

Employs "deed" for a more formal or emphatic tone, indicating a significant action.

this type of activity

Substitutes "act" with "activity", suggesting a broader range of actions or processes.

a similar action

Focuses on the similarity to a previously mentioned action, rather than the specific instance.

an equivalent measure

Uses "measure" to suggest a deliberate action taken in response to something else.

that particular event

Replaces "act" with "event", highlighting the occurrence or incident itself.

this course of conduct

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action, rather than a single instance.

such a move

Uses "move" to imply a strategic or calculated action.

this form of practice

Substitutes "act" with "practice", suggesting a habitual or repeated action.

FAQs

How can I use "such an act" in a sentence?

Use "such an act" to refer to a previously mentioned or clearly understood action. For example, "The company violated several environmental regulations. Such an act is unacceptable".

What are some alternatives to using "such an act"?

You can use alternatives like "this kind of action", "this behavior", or "that sort of deed" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "such act" instead of "such an act"?

No, it is not correct. The phrase requires the indefinite article "an" before "act" because "act" is a singular, countable noun starting with a vowel sound.

How does the formality of "such an act" compare to alternatives?

"Such an act" is relatively neutral in formality. Alternatives like "that sort of deed" can be more formal, while phrases like "this kind of action" can be more informal.