with an act of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with an act of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or deed that is performed intentionally or formally. Example: "The committee decided to proceed with an act of kindness by donating to the local shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

opens with an act of shocking violence.

The Guardian - Books

It was issued in conformity with an act of Congress.

Cornell University

The new year began with an act of violence.

The Guardian

The change began with an act of empathy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Actually, we're dealing with an act of terror," he wrote.

The New York Times

So both of them failed to do their jobs, Comey with an act of commission and Lynch with an act of omission.

The Washington Post

Case 2 starts with an act of apparent or possible homicide.

Cornell University

New York folk heroes are born with an act of brazenness.

The New Yorker

I was stuck with an act of generosity I hadn't intended, and it felt very strange.

The Guardian - Opinion

Each one ends with an act of violence (though one also ends with ice cream).

The New Yorker

Paris fashion week has opened with an act of quiet rebellion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with an act of" to emphasize the deliberate or intentional nature of the action.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the actor performing the "act of" is unclear or omitted. Ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates who or what is performing the action to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with an act of" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the manner, means, or cause by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. Ludwig examples illustrate this across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with an act of" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to specify the means, manner, or cause of an action or event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. To enhance clarity, writers should ensure that the action following "act of" is well-defined. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its deliberate use can add emphasis to the intentionality of the action being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through an action of

Focuses on the action itself as the means.

by means of an action of

Emphasizes the method or instrument used.

as a consequence of an action of

Highlights the result or outcome of the action.

resulting from an action of

Similar to 'as a consequence of', but more directly links the action to the result.

due to an action of

Indicates the cause or reason behind something.

by virtue of an action of

Suggests that something is achieved or made possible because of the action.

in light of an action of

Indicates that something is done or considered based on the action.

stemming from an action of

Implies the action is the origin or source of something.

predicated on an action of

Highlights that something is based or depends on the action.

grounded in an action of

Similar to 'predicated on', but suggests a more fundamental or foundational basis.

FAQs

How can I use "with an act of" in a sentence?

You can use "with an act of" to describe how something is accomplished or initiated. For example, "The peace process began "with an act of good faith" from both sides".

What are some alternatives to "with an act of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "through an action of", "by means of", or "as a result of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "with an act of" or "through an act of"?

Both "with an act of" and "through an act of" are grammatically correct, but "with" often implies a more direct or immediate connection between the action and the result, while "through" can suggest a process or intermediary.

Can "with an act of" be used to describe both positive and negative actions?

Yes, "with an act of" can be used to describe both positive and negative actions. For example, "The hero saved the day "with an act of courage"", or "The villain destroyed the city "with an act of malice"".