bold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is daring, courageous, or prominently displayed, often in a typographical context to indicate emphasis. Example: "She made a bold statement during the meeting that surprised everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Books

Politics

Film

Opinion

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Turning to Paul Le Guen was bold, imaginative and seemingly unrealistic but demonstrative of a degree of audacity that Murray has often matched with persuasiveness to great effect.

The Guardian - Sport

In a morning headline speech, Walker claimed his reforms "can work anywhere in the country" and urged Republicans "to go big and go bold".

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

There is recognition that change is best accompanied by stability, and democracy only works if debate is conducted in a reasonable atmosphere where words can be bold, even harsh, but not inflammatory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Michael Irwin's The Skull and the Nightingale (HarperCollins) is a bold and witty appropriation of the conventions, style, and idiom of the 18th-century epistolary novel that brilliantly recreates the manners, modes of thought and conduct of the teeming world of London.

The Guardian - Books

I've found time and again in my own life that whenever I've overcome fear and been bold enough to go for my dreams the most amazing things have happened.

The Guardian

Tony Hall has said that the BBC should be "bold and inventive about the future" in a note to all staff, which comes amid rightwing criticism of anti-Tory bias during the election and fears over the future of the licence fee.

The Guardian

Aim To create an inspiring, vibrant bathroom, using bold geometrics and colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If they can work in Wisconsin, they can work anywhere in the country," said Walker, who told Republicans that they should not be afraid "to go big and go bold".

The Guardian

Carbon War Room is bold and agile, RMI has the rigour," said Branson, who said he would continue to support the new operation financially.

The Guardian

Shorten contests that the 2014 federal budget did not fail because it was "too exciting, too visionary or too bold", but rather that major policy objectives stalled in the Senate because they were "fundamentally unfair".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey courage or a daring attitude, "bold" can effectively characterize actions or decisions, adding a layer of admiration or intrigue.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "bold" for emphasis. Excessive use can diminish its impact and make your writing appear cluttered. Instead, vary your techniques by incorporating italics, strategic word choice, or sentence structure to achieve a more nuanced effect.

Linguistic Context

The word "bold" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe characteristics such as courage, prominence, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms that "bold" is correct and usable. Examples include "a bold move", "bold colors", and "bold text".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Books

5%

Politics

4%

Film

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bold" is a versatile adjective used to describe courage, prominence, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its function is primarily to emphasize a quality or characteristic, and its register is generally neutral. It appears frequently in News & Media, Lifestyle and Sport contexts. When aiming for emphasis, using "bold" can highlight key elements. Remember to avoid overusing it to retain its impact. Synonyms include "courageous", "daring", and "audacious", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. Keep in mind that other formatting techniques can be employed to supplement its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courageous

Emphasizes bravery and willingness to face danger, similar to "bold" in its connotation of fearlessness.

daring

Highlights the willingness to take risks, aligning with the aspect of "bold" that involves venturing into the unknown.

audacious

Implies a willingness to challenge conventions or norms, reflecting the assertive side of "bold".

brave

Focuses on the resilience and strength displayed in the face of adversity, akin to the steadfastness implied by "bold".

striking

Emphasizes visual prominence or impact, relating to the sense of "bold" as something noticeable or distinct.

adventurous

Stresses the eagerness to explore new experiences, connecting with the aspect of "bold" that involves embracing the unfamiliar.

fearless

Underscores the absence of fear, akin to "bold" in its portrayal of confidence and resolve.

spirited

Highlights enthusiasm and liveliness, relating to the energetic quality that "bold" can convey.

eye-catching

Implies something that immediately attracts attention, similar to "bold" when used to describe a visual element.

emphatic

Focuses on forceful expression or clarity, relating to the sense of "bold" as something unambiguous or assertive.

FAQs

How can I use the word "bold" in a sentence?

The word "bold" can be used to describe something courageous, daring, or prominently displayed. For example, "She made a "bold decision" to change careers" or "The text was printed in "bold font" to emphasize its importance".

What are some synonyms for "bold"?

Synonyms for "bold" include "courageous", "daring", "audacious", and "brave" when referring to someone's character. When referring to text formatting, alternatives include "emphasized" or "highlighted".

Is it better to use "bold" or "brave" in my writing?

The choice between "bold" and "brave" depends on the specific context. "Bold" often implies a willingness to take risks or stand out, while "brave" emphasizes courage in the face of fear or danger. Consider the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "bold" and "assertive"?

"Bold" suggests a confident and sometimes audacious approach, while "assertive" implies a firm and direct communication style. Someone can be "assertive" without being particularly "bold", and vice versa.