as a dare

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a dare" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a phrase such as "accepted the challenge as a dare". This phrase implies that someone accepted a challenge out of an act of daring or bravery. For example: John accepted the offer to jump off the cliff as a dare.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Woman "WHY?" Man (gleeful) "As a dare".

The Guardian

It was taken as a dare.

The New Yorker

"It started as a dare," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

And let their agreement stand as a dare to the owners not to follow suit.

The New York Times

Leyland, considered a strong advocate for his players, seemed to take the question as a dare.

The New York Times - Sports

The band started as a dare; T-shirts were made before any songs were learned.

The New York Times - Arts

When I was 12, I stood up in class and shouted "wank" as a dare.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To investors raised on maxims of prudence, the slogan served as a dare.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Cyber-physical systems include physical parts into computing and make them potential targets for cyber attacks—a dare as a high number of physical parts have originally been developed to be stand-alone.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

His video is as much a dare aimed at Kim Jong-un as it is a plea for the world to help insure his safety.

The New Yorker

His book — argumentative, gallant, parked athwart oncoming historical traffic, as if on a dare — is as Parisian and as bracing as a freshly mixed Pernod and water.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a dare" to clearly indicate that an action was motivated by a challenge or a test of courage. It adds a nuance of playful risk-taking or defiance to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "as a dare" when the action was simply spontaneous or impulsive, rather than driven by a specific challenge. Use alternatives like "on a whim" or "spur of the moment" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a dare" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the motivation behind an action, specifically that it was performed because of a challenge or provocation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. Many examples from Ludwig showcase it explaining why someone did something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a dare" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to explain that an action was motivated by a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It suggests that the person who did that action was motivated by risk-taking or defiance, often implying that the action was not well thought out. While "as a dare" appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, it can also be found in more informal and casual settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the action was truly prompted by an external challenge, rather than simply being a spontaneous decision. Related phrases include "on a dare", "as a challenge", and "for a bet".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a dare

This alternative is a shorter, more direct way of expressing the same meaning, emphasizing the challenge itself.

as a challenge

This alternative focuses on the aspect of being tested or pushed to do something.

for a bet

This phrase implies a wager or agreement that motivates the action.

out of bravado

This alternative emphasizes the show of courage or boldness motivating the action.

on a whim

This phrase highlights the impulsive, unplanned nature of the action, rather than the explicit challenge.

to prove a point

This alternative emphasizes the intention to demonstrate something through the action.

in defiance

This alternative highlights the rebellious or disobedient aspect of the action.

risking it all

This focuses on the potential negative consequences or stakes involved in the action.

taking a gamble

This phrase presents the action as a risky venture with an uncertain outcome.

without thinking

This alternative stresses the lack of forethought or planning in the action.

FAQs

How can I use "as a dare" in a sentence?

You can use "as a dare" to explain the motivation behind a risky or unusual action. For example, "He accepted the challenge to climb the mountain "as a dare"".

What's the difference between "as a dare" and "on a whim"?

"As a dare" implies a challenge or provocation prompted the action, while "on a whim" suggests a spontaneous, unplanned decision.

Is it always appropriate to do something "as a dare"?

Not always. While "as a dare" can explain risky behavior, it doesn't justify actions that are harmful or illegal. Consider the consequences before acting "as a dare".

What are some synonyms for "as a dare"?

Alternatives include "on a challenge", "for a bet", or "out of bravado", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.