a true hero

USAGE SUMMARY

"a true hero" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe someone who has displayed admirable qualities or actions, for example, "The firefighter who risked his own life to save the victims of the fire was a true hero."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're a true hero.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was a true hero.

The Guardian

The world has lost a true hero.

The New York Times

"He is regarded as a true hero".

The New York Times

And a true hero for our country.

The Guardian

"He said he was a true hero.

The New York Times

We have lost a true hero and great friend.

The New York Times

You are a true hero," wrote Janet Peters.

The Washington Post

Murphy said: "John Lewis is a true hero.

The Guardian

This makes him a true hero for the digital age.

The Guardian - Arts

The Jewish community has lost a true hero.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a true hero" when you want to express genuine admiration for someone's courage, selflessness, or significant positive impact. It is particularly effective in highlighting individuals who have overcome great adversity or made substantial sacrifices for others.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone "a true hero" for minor acts of kindness or everyday achievements. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your praise seem insincere. Reserve it for truly exceptional actions or qualities to maintain its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true hero" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or appositive to describe an individual possessing exceptional qualities of courage, selflessness, or achievement. Ludwig confirms this use, showcasing examples where the phrase is used to attribute admirable characteristics to people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true hero" is a widely used phrase to express deep admiration for an individual's exceptional qualities and actions. As Ludwig highlights, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to commend individuals who have demonstrated courage, selflessness, or a significant positive impact. While grammatically correct and versatile, it is crucial to reserve this phrase for situations where genuine and profound admiration is warranted to avoid diminishing its impact. Alternatives such as "an authentic hero" or "a genuine champion" may be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An authentic hero

Replaces "true" with "authentic", emphasizing genuineness.

A real-life hero

Adds "real-life" to specify that the person is a hero outside of fictional contexts.

A genuine champion

Substitutes "hero" with "champion", highlighting achievement and victory.

A courageous individual

Highlights the bravery aspect of a hero.

A valiant person

Emphasizes the person's valor and determination.

An exceptional figure

Uses a more general term, focusing on the person's outstanding qualities.

An admirable character

Focuses on the praiseworthy moral qualities of the person.

A noble soul

Highlights the person's high moral principles and selflessness.

An unsung hero

Implies that the person's heroic actions may not be widely recognized.

A role model

Indicates that the person is an example worth emulating.

FAQs

How can I use "a true hero" in a sentence?

You can use "a true hero" to describe someone you deeply admire for their bravery, selflessness, or positive impact. For instance, "The firefighter who saved the family from the burning building is "a true hero"."

What are some alternatives to "a true hero"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an authentic hero", "a genuine champion", or "a courageous individual".

Is it appropriate to use "a true hero" in formal writing?

Yes, "a true hero" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when recognizing someone's exceptional actions or qualities. However, ensure the context warrants such strong praise and that your tone remains sincere and respectful.

What distinguishes "a true hero" from just a "hero"?

Adding "true" emphasizes the genuineness and depth of the person's heroic qualities. While a "hero" might simply be someone who performs a brave act, ""a true hero"" implies a consistent pattern of admirable behavior and a profound impact on others.