be bold enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be bold enough to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to do something, even if it is daunting or difficult. For example: "Be bold enough to take a chance and apply for that job even if you're not sure you meet all the requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We must be bold enough to seize the opportunity".

Independent

"If you are going to be bold enough to do it, then please be bold enough to explain it".

The New York Times

We must be bold enough to measure our children's progress.

The New York Times

Let me be bold enough to speak openly.

The New Yorker

Someone has to be bold enough to risk making those errors.

The Economist

You have to be bold enough to try to play with the ball.

Independent

Dinsmore and Murdoch must be bold enough to drop Page 3 and join the 21st century.

The Guardian

But surely few of his contemporaries would be bold enough to deliver that announcement in song.

The New York Times - Arts

But Mr. Codey wondered aloud whether Mr. DiFrancesco would be bold enough to risk controversy.

The New York Times

Some political pundits hope some of the suspects will be bold enough to link the president to the public looting.

The Guardian

They should be bold enough to introduce contextual data into admissions – driven by research evidence, and not just abstract principle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be bold enough to" when encouraging someone to pursue an ambitious goal or take a calculated risk. This phrase emphasizes the importance of courage and initiative.

Common error

While "be bold enough to" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual settings. Opt for alternatives like "just do it" or "go for it" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be bold enough to" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase expressing a call to action or encouragement. It suggests the necessity of courage and initiative to overcome perceived obstacles. Ludwig shows its prevalent use in diverse scenarios, urging individuals and entities to pursue challenging goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be bold enough to" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that serves to encourage action and inspire confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English. Analysis of various sources shows a high frequency of usage in news and media, as well as formal business communications. While the register is mostly neutral or professional, it can be incorporated into varied contents. To communicate the same idea, consider alternatives like "be brave enough to" or "dare to". Just remember to be mindful of overly using the phrase in casual settings, as it might come across as overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be brave enough to

Emphasizes courage and willingness to face danger or difficulty.

be daring enough to

Highlights a willingness to take risks and challenge conventions.

be audacious enough to

Implies a willingness to be unconventional and push boundaries.

have the courage to

Focuses on inner strength and bravery as a prerequisite.

take the initiative to

Highlights proactiveness and a willingness to start something.

dare to

A simpler, more direct way of expressing a challenge or willingness to do something risky.

venture to

Implies a cautious but deliberate approach to something risky.

be adventurous enough to

Stresses the excitement and thrill of taking a chance.

be assertive enough to

Focuses on confidently expressing oneself and one's opinions.

be fearless enough to

Emphasizes a lack of fear as the basis for taking action.

FAQs

How can I use "be bold enough to" in a sentence?

You can use "be bold enough to" to encourage someone to take action despite fear or uncertainty. For example, "Be bold enough to try new things, even if they seem intimidating."

What are some alternatives to "be bold enough to"?

Alternatives include "be brave enough to", "dare to", or "have the courage to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "be bold enough to" or "have the boldness to"?

"Be bold enough to" is generally more common and direct. "Have the boldness to" is grammatically correct but can sound more formal or literary. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

When is it not appropriate to use "be bold enough to"?

Avoid using "be bold enough to" in situations where the risk is too high or the action could have serious negative consequences. In such cases, caution and careful consideration are more important than boldness.