What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
act
Example
His act of kindness towards the homeless man was heartwarming. [act: noun]
Example
She acted quickly to prevent the child from falling. [acted: verb]
deed
Example
His heroic deeds during the war earned him a medal of honor. [deeds: noun]
Example
She did a good deed by helping the elderly woman cross the street. [deed: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Act is more commonly used than deed in everyday language. Act is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while deed is less common and typically used in more formal or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between act and deed?
Deed is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its legal connotation, while act can be used in both formal and informal contexts.