Show nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Show nerve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to be bold or courageous in a situation that requires bravery or confidence. Example: "In the face of adversity, it's important to show nerve and stand up for what you believe in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

More recently, we have shown that CCM reflects IENF loss in skin biopsies from the dorsum of the foot in diabetic patients (12) and may also show nerve repair after pancreas transplantation (14).

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Just before the first show, nerves begin to kick in.

The Guardian

When I felt bad I was hoping that she would show nerves but she did not when it mattered".

The Guardian - Sport

On Tuesday, however, it was Dimitrov's turn to show nerves of steel, particularly when faced with two set points in the first set.

The New York Times - Sports

"Late Show nerves.

Los Angeles Times

Playing with a small combo, Mr. Wainwright offered his own critiques of fashion, showing nerve instead of Mr. Ferry's cultivated discontent.

The New York Times - Arts

Courtney Love showed nerve when she led her new lineup of Hole at Terminal 5 on Tuesday night.

The New York Times - Arts

Now it showed nerve too, quickly making dramatic cuts in interest rates, reducing the cash rate from over 7% to 3% in the four months from September 2008.

The Economist

Abrams showed nerve when he took on Star Trek, a perishing franchise that he rebooted in 2009 with doses of adrenaline and an insistence on respect that pleased newcomers and loyalists together.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dan Biggar had to convert to seal victory and the fly-half showed nerve and technique with the tricky kick.

BBC

The existence of a CMT subgroup showing nerve conduction velocity (NCV) values "intermediate" between CMT1 and CMT2 has been also reported [16, 17].

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show nerve" when you want to emphasize not just courage, but also a degree of audacity or willingness to take risks.

Common error

Avoid using "show nerve" when the situation calls for expressing anxiety or apprehension. "Show nerve" implies a controlled, purposeful action, whereas anxiety suggests a lack of control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show nerve" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "show" is the verb and "nerve" is the direct object. It indicates the act of displaying courage or boldness, particularly in challenging circumstances. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show nerve" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys the act of displaying courage or boldness. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase appears relatively infrequently in diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, and scientific domains. Related phrases such as "demonstrate courage" or "display fortitude" can be used as alternatives. When using "show nerve", ensure that the context appropriately reflects purposeful action rather than mere anxiety. Despite its relative rarity, it remains a valuable expression for describing decisive and courageous actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Demonstrate courage

Replaces "nerve" with the more explicit "courage", emphasizing bravery.

Exhibit bravery

Substitutes "nerve" with "bravery", focusing on courageous behavior.

Display fortitude

Uses "fortitude" to highlight resilience and strength of mind.

Act boldly

Replaces "show nerve" with an adverbial phrase indicating decisive action.

Maintain composure

Shifts the focus to self-control under pressure, rather than overt action.

Take a stand

Focuses on publicly declaring and defending a position, requiring courage.

Stand firm

Emphasizes unwavering resolve in the face of opposition.

Rise to the occasion

Suggests meeting a challenge with the necessary skill and courage.

Face adversity head-on

Highlights proactive confrontation of challenges.

Keep a stiff upper lip

Implies emotional restraint and stoicism in difficult times.

FAQs

How can I use "Show nerve" in a sentence?

You can use "Show nerve" to describe someone acting bravely or boldly in a challenging situation. For example, "Despite the risks, the CEO decided to "show nerve" and invest in the new technology."

What does it mean to "Show nerve"?

To "Show nerve" means to act with courage and determination, especially in a difficult or risky situation. It implies a willingness to take bold action despite potential negative consequences.

Are there synonyms for "Show nerve"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "demonstrate courage", "display fortitude", or "exhibit bravery" as synonyms for "Show nerve" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "Show nerve"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "Show" is a verb, and "nerve" is a noun functioning as the object of the verb. The phrase is used to describe the act of displaying courage or boldness.