a show of courage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a show of courage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an act or display that demonstrates bravery or determination in the face of adversity. Example: "The firefighter's quick response during the blaze was truly a show of courage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The move was intended as a show of courage – a readiness to take on powerful "vested interests".

The Guardian

In a show of courage and good sense, Turkey's government has announced a plan to grant long-denied rights to its Kurdish minority, and, it is hoped, finally end an insurgency that has cost more than 40,000 lives.

The New York Times

Related articles 11.07.2001: Loyalist walkout hits Ulster talks 11.07.2001: Pouring oil Leader comment 10.07.2001: Northern Ireland needs a show of courage Audio report Owen Bowcott at Weston Park Useful links Ulster Democratic party Northern Ireland Office Last International Commission on Decommissioning report Northern Ireland assembly.

The Guardian

But its origins betray something deeper, too: a desire for identification with adventure and romance, a show of courage and grace under pressure.

Forbes

In a show of courage, compromise and reasonability, Orrin Hatch (R-UT) stood with the Gang of 8's Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) to vote for the bill.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Instead, it was a show of competitive courage from Laurent Blanc's team.

The Guardian - Sport

If he was in fact gay and closeted, he failed to make a show of extraordinary courage that could have saved lives.

The New York Times

And even if your choice to be black is less a show of freedom, courage and soul-level authenticity, and more a matter of emotional instability, low self-esteem and general misguidedness, the three fingers pointing back at the rest of us still stand and they beg for further examination.

Huffington Post

To say that both his tries took some scoring would be an understatement on the scale of acclaiming the performance of Craig Huby, the Castleford prop, in defying the excruciating pain of a recently-dislocated elbow as a reasonable show of courage.

The Guardian - Sport

The elders of Morghan, in a remarkable show of courage, refused to let insurgents operate.

The New York Times - Magazine

*Bravado: a "false show of courage," but constantly confused with bravura (bravery).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a show of courage" when you want to highlight the visible or demonstrable aspect of bravery in a specific situation. It is especially impactful when describing actions that defy expectations or overcome significant obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "a show of courage" when intending to describe a false or exaggerated display of bravery. In such cases, "bravado" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a show of courage" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting an instance or demonstration of bravery, as seen in Ludwig's examples of situations where people acted bravely in the face of adversity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a show of courage" is a noun phrase used to describe an act or demonstration of bravery, often in challenging situations. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for general use, particularly in news and media contexts. While synonymous with phrases like "a display of bravery" or "an act of valor", it's crucial to distinguish it from "bravado," which implies a false or exaggerated display of courage. Therefore, while "a show of courage" effectively conveys genuine acts of bravery, writers should be mindful of the specific context to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a display of bravery

Focuses on the outward demonstration of bravery.

an act of valor

Highlights the heroic nature of the action.

a demonstration of resilience

Emphasizes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

a testament to fortitude

Highlights the strength and endurance shown.

a bold gesture

Emphasizes the risk-taking aspect of the action.

a courageous endeavor

Focuses on the effort made despite fear.

an intrepid action

Highlights fearlessness and adventurousness.

a valiant effort

Emphasizes the determination and bravery in the attempt.

a daring feat

Highlights the boldness and risk involved.

a spirited performance

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and energy displayed despite challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "a show of courage" in a sentence?

You can use "a show of courage" to describe an action or behavior that demonstrates bravery or valor, like "The firefighter's rescue was a real show of courage".

What are some alternatives to "a show of courage"?

Alternatives include "a display of bravery", "an act of valor", or "a demonstration of resilience", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a show of courage", or are there situations where it's not suitable?

While generally appropriate for genuine displays of bravery, avoid using "a show of courage" sarcastically or when describing actions that are reckless rather than courageous. In cases of false courage, consider using the word "bravado" instead.

What's the difference between "a show of courage" and "having courage"?

"A show of courage" refers to a specific instance or demonstration of bravery, whereas "having courage" describes a more general quality or characteristic. For example, "His rescue of the cat from the tree was a show of courage," while "He is known for having courage in the face of adversity".