a courageous action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a courageous action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an act that demonstrates bravery or valor in various contexts, such as personal experiences, literature, or discussions about moral choices. Example: "The firefighter's decision to enter the burning building was truly a courageous action that saved many lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Results indicated that children were familiar with the concept of courage as more than 70% reported to have carried out a courageous action during their life.

Child Psychiatry and Human Development

Results revealed that children of this age were familiar with the concept of courage as more than 70% reported to have carried out a courageous action at some time during their life.

Child Psychiatry and Human Development

Like the rather grander Schindler, he ends up risking his life protecting them, a courageous action for which he was posthumously honoured by Israel as a "righteous gentile".

The Guardian - Film

A courageous action would be to seize the opportunity to base our entire system on the development of renewable energy.I believe that, even in the automotive field, public authorities can play an important role in building the future.

The Economist

Conceding only that he should have better explained to voters that a court-ordered increase in school financing made the tax increase necessary, Mr. Florio defiantly describes it as a courageous action to protect the core values of the Democratic Party.

The New York Times

A courageous action must be motivated by courageous sentiment toward facing danger when it's worth doing so.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was also a sterling example of courageous action.

Huffington Post

He called the convictions "a tragic miscarriage of justice which at this time can only be corrected by an objective review and courageous action by the Department of Justice".

Wikipedia

"We need a whole lot more of that courageous action".

Huffington Post

Children of Sample 1 filled in the CM-C, the courage vignette measure, the most courageous action question as well as questionnaires for measuring personality traits, anxiety symptoms, and social desirability.

Child Psychiatry and Human Development

Harris tries to refute our claim that it is easier to harm than to benefit by citing cases in which someone has saved a great number of lives by averting a serious threat, such as Schuringa's courageous action (pp. 106 7).

Bioethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a courageous action", provide specific details to illustrate the bravery involved. Context helps to amplify the impact and understanding of the act.

Common error

While "a courageous action" is valid, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "a brave act" or "a valiant deed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a courageous action" functions as a noun phrase, where "courageous" modifies the noun "action". It serves to describe a specific instance or type of action characterized by bravery. Ludwig provides examples of this phrase used in sentences to describe brave acts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a courageous action" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to describe an act of bravery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-understood and can be used across various contexts, with a slightly higher frequency in news and scientific publications. While it's not an extremely common phrase, it's a valuable way to highlight bravery and valor. Remember to provide specific details when using this phrase and avoid overuse. Alternative phrases like "a brave act" or "a valiant deed" can provide variety and maintain reader engagement. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brave act

Replaces "courageous" with "brave", offering a simpler synonym.

an act of bravery

Rephrases the structure to emphasize the quality of bravery.

a valiant deed

Substitutes both "courageous" and "action" with more formal and literary terms.

a heroic feat

Implies a significant and commendable action, elevating the sense of accomplishment.

a fearless endeavor

Emphasizes the absence of fear in undertaking the action.

a daring exploit

Highlights the risk-taking aspect of the action.

a gutsy maneuver

Implies a risky but potentially rewarding action.

a plucky undertaking

Suggests a spirited and determined approach to a challenging task.

a bold move

Focuses on the decisiveness and potential impact of the action.

a spirited initiative

Highlights the enthusiasm and proactive nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "a courageous action" in a sentence?

You can use "a courageous action" to describe an act that requires bravery or valor. For example, "Saving the child from the burning building was "a courageous action"."

What are some alternatives to "a courageous action"?

Some alternatives include "a brave act", "a valiant deed", or "an act of bravery". The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it redundant to say "a very courageous action"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "very" might be redundant. "Courageous" already implies a high degree of bravery. Consider using a more impactful verb or providing specific details instead.

What's the difference between "a courageous action" and "a reckless action"?

"A courageous action" implies bravery and a willingness to face danger for a worthy cause. "A reckless action", on the other hand, suggests a disregard for safety and potential consequences, often without a clear or justified purpose.