a bold move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bold move" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a courageous or daring action taken by someone. It is often used to describe a risky decision or an unexpected and unconventional action. For example, "The company's decision to expand into international markets was a bold move that paid off in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a bold move, and boldness was clearly what was called for.

Forbes

It's a bold move.

Harvard University

"Is this a bold move?

Independent

Not exactly a bold move.

The New York Times

It was a bold move.

Forbes

That was a bold move.

The New York Times

This is a bold move.

The Economist

That is a bold move.

The Economist

It is a bold move by McKenzie.

The New York Times - Sports

MIT Documentary Series: "A Bold Move".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In her estimation, it's a bold move.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bold move", ensure the context clearly indicates why the action is considered bold, either through its inherent risk or its departure from conventional practices.

Common error

Avoid using "a bold move" to describe simple or minor decisions. The phrase implies a significant level of risk and potential impact, so it should be reserved for situations where the stakes are high.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bold move" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a particular action or decision, characterizing it as daring and potentially risky, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bold move" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions or decisions characterized by daring, risk, and potential for significant impact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. While generally neutral in tone, its usage implies a serious and consequential action. Consider alternatives like "a daring step" or "a courageous action" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Use it judiciously to highlight significant, potentially transformative actions while being mindful of overusing it for minor decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a daring step

Replaces 'move' with 'step', emphasizing the action as a forward progression that is daring.

a courageous action

Substitutes 'move' with 'action' and 'bold' with 'courageous', highlighting the bravery involved.

a brave decision

Highlights the element of bravery and decisiveness in the action taken.

a risky venture

Replaces the term with a phrase that implies a project or undertaking with a high degree of risk.

an audacious attempt

Changes 'move' to 'attempt' and 'bold' to 'audacious', conveying a sense of daring and ambition.

a venturesome deed

Emphasizes the adventurous and potentially perilous nature of the action.

an unconventional strategy

Focuses on the innovative and non-traditional aspect of the approach.

an adventurous undertaking

Similar to 'risky venture' but places more emphasis on the excitement and uncertainty of the project.

an ambitious plan

Focuses on the large scale and aspirational nature of the action.

a decisive stroke

Emphasizes the impact and finality of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "a bold move" in a sentence?

You can use "a bold move" to describe an action that is daring, risky, and often unexpected. For example, "The company's decision to invest heavily in research and development was "a bold move" that could either lead to significant innovation or financial loss."

What's the difference between "a bold move" and "a risky decision"?

While both phrases suggest an action with potential negative consequences, "a bold move" often implies a greater degree of confidence and a willingness to challenge the status quo, whereas "a risky decision" may simply acknowledge the possibility of failure without necessarily implying innovation or courage.

What are some alternatives to using "a bold move"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a daring step", "a courageous action", or "a risky venture" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a bold move" always a positive thing?

Not necessarily. While "a bold move" often suggests admiration for courage and innovation, it can also be used to describe actions that, in hindsight, were ill-advised or reckless. The outcome determines whether it's viewed positively or negatively.