Meaning & use
deeds
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“deeds” is a form of “deed”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Actions that a person does, especially when judged as good or bad.
Grammar: Usually plural; the singular 'deed' is used for one action, often formal or literary.
Patterns
- good deeds
- evil deeds
- do a deed
She is remembered for her kind deeds.
He was praised for his brave deeds in the war.
The story tells of the evil deeds of a cruel king.
nouncountablelegal
A legal document that proves ownership of property or a legal right.
Grammar: Countable; often used in property law. The singular 'deed' is common here.
Patterns
- property deeds
- title deeds
- draw up a deed
The deeds to the house are kept in a safe.
You must sign the deed before a witness.
The lawyer prepared the deed of sale.
Word forms
| singular | deed |
|---|
Common combinations
- good deeds
- She believes that good deeds will be rewarded.
- evil deeds
- The film shows the evil deeds of the villain.
- property deeds
- The bank keeps the property deeds until the loan is paid.
- deeds of heroism
- The soldier was honoured for his deeds of heroism.
Synonyms and how they differ
- actions
- More neutral and general; 'deeds' often suggests moral judgment or formal praise.
- acts
- Similar but often used for single events; 'deeds' is more literary and plural.
Word family
- deed noun
- Singular form; one action or one legal document.
Commonly confused: deeds or deed?
deeds vs deed
'Deeds' is plural; use 'deed' for one action or one legal document.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'deeds' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Deeds' is plural and takes a plural verb or no article when used generically. 'A good deeds' is wrong because 'a' is singular. 'The deeds is' is wrong because 'deeds' is plural. 'He deed' is wrong because 'deed' is not a verb in this sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “deeds”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.