are bold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are bold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is emphasized or stands out, often in the context of text formatting or characteristics of a person or action. Example: "The important points in the report are bold to draw attention to them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The claims are bold.

The Economist

His ambitions are bold.

The New York Times

They are bold.

Cornell University

These are bold strokes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Both are bold.

The New York Times

Furthermore, his ideas are bold.

The Economist

The American proposals are bold.

The Economist

Now, these are bold initiatives...."....

The New York Times

Weasels are bold and aggressive predators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its education reforms are bold and promising.

The Economist

His ideas are bold and mostly good.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are bold" to describe text, ensure it aligns with the overall document style and serves a clear purpose, such as highlighting key points or indicating importance.

Common error

Avoid overusing "are bold" in formal writing or business reports. While it can emphasize points, excessive use can make your writing appear unprofessional or distracting. Opt for more subtle emphasis techniques in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are bold" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective, describing a quality or characteristic of the subject. Ludwig provides examples where "are bold" describes actions, ideas, proposals, and even visual elements, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are bold" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe qualities of courage, distinctiveness, or emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While its neutrality makes it widely applicable, it's important to consider the specific context and audience. In more formal settings, you might choose synonyms like "are daring" or "are courageous" to maintain a professional tone. Overusing "are bold", especially when referring to text formatting, can detract from the writing's impact. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "are bold" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are daring

Direct synonym focusing on adventurousness and lack of fear.

are courageous

Synonym highlighting bravery and willingness to face danger.

are fearless

Emphasizes the absence of fear in their actions.

exhibit courage

This alternative emphasizes the act of showing bravery or fearlessness.

display audacity

This option stresses a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

stand out

This focuses on being noticeable or prominent, similar to bold text.

are prominent

This alternative highlights visibility and importance.

are striking

Focuses on making a strong and noticeable impression.

are spirited

Highlights enthusiasm and energy in their actions.

are conspicuous

This emphasizes the quality of being easily noticeable.

FAQs

How can I use "are bold" in a sentence?

You can use "are bold" to describe actions, ideas, or text formatting. For example, "The company's strategies "are bold" and innovative" or "The key points in the document "are bold" to draw attention to them."

What is an alternative to saying "are bold"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "are daring", "are courageous", "stand out", or "are prominent".

When is it appropriate to use "are bold" in writing?

"Are bold" is appropriate when describing courageous actions, distinctive qualities, or when emphasizing text for clarity. However, avoid overuse in formal contexts where subtlety is preferred.

Is "are bold" formal or informal?

"Are bold" is generally considered neutral. Its formality depends on the context. It's acceptable in news articles, academic papers, and general writing. In very formal business documents, consider alternatives that convey emphasis without being overly assertive.