a courageous move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a courageous move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that requires bravery or boldness, often in the context of making a difficult decision or taking a risk. Example: "Deciding to speak out against injustice was truly a courageous move on her part."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It's a courageous move, I suggest.

Independent

This is a courageous move that moderates appreciate.

The New York Times

"I think it was a courageous move," he said.

The New York Times

Bruce Goldstein, president of Farmworker Justice, an advocacy group, said: "It's a courageous move on the part of the farm labor unions that are involved in the project.

The New York Times

The company simply looked at the toll tobacco takes on society and – in a courageous move – decided cigarettes didn't fit into the mission of a healthcare company.

The Guardian

The move raised eyebrows among some on the left, but Adam Mason, the state policy director for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, called it a courageous move similar to organizing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I give him a great big pat on the back for what I think was a really courageous move," said Gwen Moran, the owner of a marketing company in Wall Township.

The New York Times

In a truly courageous move, Brown-Vitter would require United States financial regulators to abandon Basel III.

The New York Times

"Ah, minister, that would be a very courageous move," my department replied.

The Guardian - Opinion

So it was a particularly courageous move to start by doing nothing.

The Guardian

In this it represents a big, courageous move, but that doesn't keep it from feeling transitional and not quite up to her usual level.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a courageous move" when you want to emphasize the bravery and boldness required to take a specific action, especially when that action goes against the norm or involves significant risk.

Common error

Avoid using "courageous" to describe everyday actions that don't genuinely require bravery. Reserve it for situations where someone faces real challenges or risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a courageous move" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes an action or decision. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It typically follows a verb, such as 'was', 'is', or 'seemed', to describe the nature of the action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a courageous move" is a commonly used phrase to describe an action or decision that requires bravery and boldness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is found frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely warrants the description of courage and consider alternative phrases such as ""a brave action"" or ""a bold step"" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brave action

Emphasizes the bravery involved in the action.

a bold step

Highlights the decisiveness and risk-taking aspect.

a daring decision

Suggests a willingness to take significant risks.

a valiant effort

Focuses on the effort and determination, even if the outcome is uncertain.

an audacious undertaking

Implies boldness and a willingness to defy convention.

a spirited initiative

Highlights enthusiasm and drive behind the action.

a fearless endeavor

Underscores the absence of fear in pursuing the goal.

a gutsy play

Suggests a high-stakes situation where courage is essential.

a plucky venture

Emphasizes a cheerful and determined approach to a risky situation.

an intrepid act

Stresses the fearlessness and adventurous nature of the action.

FAQs

What does "a courageous move" mean?

It describes an action that requires bravery, boldness, and a willingness to face potential risks or opposition.

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

You can use it to describe someone's decision or action that demonstrates bravery, for example: "Deciding to speak out against the company's policies was "a courageous move"."

What can I say instead of "a courageous move"?

You can use alternatives like "a brave action", "a bold step", or "a daring decision" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a courageous move" formal or informal?

It's generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from using synonyms like "a bold step" or "a valiant effort".