terrible act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is morally wrong or has caused significant harm or distress. Example: "The community was in shock after the terrible act of violence that occurred last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She added it was a "terrible act".

Independent

It's a terrible act of reason".

The New Yorker

It was the terrible act of a madman.

The Guardian - Opinion

The motives behind Paddock's terrible act remain vexingly mysterious.

The New Yorker

Perhaps this terrible act has informed the way she has chosen to depict this theme.

Independent

"Suddenly, he is famous through this terrible act, and I had these conversations with him.

The New Yorker

The Ethicist says the writer's husband, who is a registered sex offender, "committed a terrible act".

The New York Times - Magazine

Hardly a minute goes by without some terrible act of brutality, beheading or mass suicide.

The Guardian

And Judge Crawford reminded us that torture is not necessarily just one terrible act.

The New York Times

Some of them panicked and performed a terrible act that has stained Mormon history ever since.

The New York Times

I was faithful to the profound meaning of Mohamed Bouazizi's terrible act.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym for "terrible act". Synonyms such as "atrocity" or "heinous crime" might be more fitting when describing acts of extreme violence or criminal behavior.

Common error

While "terrible act" is widely understood, relying on it too frequently can make your writing repetitive. Enhance your vocabulary and vary your language by using synonyms like "horrific deed" or "atrocious action" to keep your text engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible act" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "terrible" modifies the noun "act". Ludwig AI confirms that it is commonly used to describe actions that are morally reprehensible or cause significant harm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrible act" is a commonly used phrase to describe actions that are morally wrong and cause significant harm, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, expressing strong disapproval across various contexts, primarily in news and media. To enhance your writing, consider synonyms like "horrific deed" or "atrocious action" to avoid repetition. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrific deed

Emphasizes the shocking and appalling nature of the action.

atrocious action

Highlights the extreme wickedness or cruelty of the action.

heinous crime

Focuses on the criminal and morally reprehensible aspect of the act.

unspeakable atrocity

Stresses the indescribable horror and brutality of the act.

grievous offense

Underlines the serious and harmful nature of the transgression.

horrendous violation

Highlights the act as a severe breach of moral or legal standards.

deplorable incident

Focuses on the regrettable and shameful aspect of the event.

egregious transgression

Emphasizes the blatant and outrageous nature of the wrongdoing.

abominable deed

Stresses the disgusting and loathsome quality of the action.

appalling event

Highlights the shocking and disturbing nature of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "terrible act" in a sentence?

You can use "terrible act" to describe events that have caused significant harm or distress. For example, "The community condemned the "terrible act" of violence."

What are some synonyms for "terrible act"?

Some synonyms for "terrible act" include "horrific deed", "atrocious action", and "heinous crime". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "terrible act" a formal or informal phrase?

"Terrible act" is a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might consider synonyms like "grievous offense" for a more elevated tone.

What makes an act "terrible"?

An act is considered "terrible" when it is morally wrong, causes significant harm, or evokes strong negative emotions. The term implies a severe violation of ethical standards or a devastating impact on individuals or society.