act of courage

USAGE SUMMARY

"act of courage" is a common and grammatically correct phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a brave or courageous action or behavior. Example: The soldier's act of courage in the face of danger inspired his comrades and earned him a medal of honor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a singular act of courage.

The New Yorker

It was an act of courage".

The Guardian

It shouldn't be an act of courage.

The Guardian

This was not Taraf's only act of courage.

The New York Times

Yet news of the great act of courage leaked out.

The Economist

"It was an act of courage," he told me.

The New Yorker

It was an act of courage as well as pragmatism.

The Economist

Like coming out, it's an act of courage and vulnerability.

The Guardian - Opinion

That act of courage is a poem, right there.

The New Yorker

Unconditionally supporting a sports team is an act of courage.

The Guardian - Sport

I actually saw that act as an act of courage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "act of courage" to specifically highlight a single instance of bravery or valor, rather than a general trait of character. For example, "His "act of courage" saved the lives of many."

Common error

Avoid using "act of courage" for everyday situations that don't genuinely require bravery. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for scenarios involving real risk, self-sacrifice, or significant personal challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of courage" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a specific instance of bravery or valor. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is common and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of courage" is a widely recognized and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a specific instance of bravery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news, formal business, and academic writing. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "brave deed" or "heroic action", the phrase maintains a unique emphasis on valor and resolution. When writing, reserve "act of courage" for scenarios that genuinely embody risk and self-sacrifice, ensuring its intended impact and avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Overall, Ludwig examples show that "act of courage" is a versatile and impactful phrase when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brave deed

Focuses on the action being brave, replacing "act of courage" with a more concise term.

heroic action

Emphasizes the heroic nature of the act, implying great bravery and self-sacrifice.

valiant effort

Highlights the effort put into the act and its valiant quality, suitable when effort is prominent.

fearless feat

Stresses the absence of fear in accomplishing the act, adding a dramatic tone.

bold move

Indicates a daring and decisive action, often used in strategic or challenging situations.

courageous undertaking

Highlights the challenging and potentially risky nature of the endeavor.

daring exploit

Implies a bold and adventurous act, often involving risk and skill.

spirited gesture

Focuses on the enthusiastic and determined nature of the act, suitable for smaller but meaningful actions.

intrepid endeavor

Stresses the fearlessness and determination involved in the attempt, often used for significant projects.

plucky act

Highlights the resilience and determination in a challenging circumstance.

FAQs

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

You can use "act of courage" to describe a specific instance of bravery. For example, "Saving the child from the burning building was an "act of courage"".

What are some alternatives to "act of courage"?

Alternatives include "brave deed", "heroic action", or "valiant effort" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "courageous act of courage"?

Yes, saying "courageous act of courage" is generally redundant. The word "courage" already implies a courageous action, so "act of courage" is sufficient.

When is it appropriate to use "act of courage" versus "act of bravery"?

Both phrases are very similar, but "act of courage" might imply a deeper, more moral or resolute form of bravery. "Act of bravery" is a more general phrase for fearless behavior.