their actions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their actions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the behaviors or deeds of a specific group of people or individuals previously mentioned in the text. Example: "The committee reviewed their actions over the past year to assess the effectiveness of their initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By their actions.

The New Yorker

He merely described their actions.

The New York Times

Some drugs mimic their actions.

The Economist

Their actions are helpless, empty.

Independent

Their actions unsettle Mr Barghouti.

The Economist

What motivated their actions?

The New York Times

Their actions increased tension.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Their actions will backfire".

The New York Times

Their actions were reprehensible.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet corruption remains, despite their actions.

The Economist

It remains unclear who orchestrated their actions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of decisions, use "their actions" to emphasize the practical consequences and outcomes of choices made by a group.

Common error

Refrain from using "their actions" in overly passive constructions that obscure responsibility. Instead, restructure sentences to clearly show who is performing the actions and what the direct results are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their actions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the deeds or behaviors performed by a specified group, and is used to evaluate, describe, or analyze the consequences of those behaviors, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "their actions" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that refers to the deeds or behaviors performed by a group. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal news reports to informal discussions. While alternatives like "their behavior" or "what they did" exist, "their actions" often emphasizes the tangible consequences of decisions. When writing, consider the clarity and directness of your sentences, and avoid overly passive constructions. Always focus on attributing responsibility clearly and using the phrase to emphasize the practical implications of the deeds being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their behavior

Focuses on the manner of conducting oneself, subtly shifting from specific deeds to overall conduct.

what they did

A more direct and simple way of referring to their deeds, useful in informal contexts.

their conduct

Implies a standard or code of behavior, often in formal or ethical contexts.

their deeds

Emphasizes the significance or impact of their actions, often used in narratives or evaluations.

their activities

Suggests a series of actions or a specific undertaking, suitable for describing ongoing processes.

their performance

Focuses on how well they carried out specific tasks or duties, commonly used in professional settings.

their decisions

Highlights the choices they made leading to certain outcomes, relevant in strategic or critical analyses.

their interventions

Specifically refers to actions taken to influence a situation, often implying a deliberate or forceful involvement.

their operations

Suitable when referring to coordinated or planned activities, typically used in business or military contexts.

their undertakings

Highlights the initiatives or projects they have embarked upon, emphasizing effort and commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "their actions" in a sentence?

"Their actions" refers to what a group of people did. For example: "We must judge them by "their actions", not their words."

What can I say instead of "their actions"?

Alternatives include "their behavior", "what they did", or "their conduct", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "their actions"?

It is appropriate when you want to focus on the specific deeds or behaviors of a group, especially when evaluating the impact or consequences of those actions.

Is "their actions" formal or informal language?

"Their actions" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.