bold as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bold as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare someone's bravery or confidence to something that is considered bold or daring. Example: "She was bold as a lion when she stood up to the critics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Make definite assertions!" said Strunk, who loved the bold as much as he scorned the colorless.

Huffington Post

Bold as Brass is published by Macmillan.

The Guardian

W is as bold as M is bitter.

The New Yorker

His agenda isn't as bold as Mr. Clinton's?

The New York Times

Be as bold as you can and then double it".

The Guardian

On Axis: Bold As Love it's all fourths".

The Guardian - Music

The Japanese kimpiri stew is as bold as their principles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is as honest and bold as the clothes themselves.

Independent

Its immediate successor, Axis: Bold as Love, followed that December.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And her wardrobe can be as bold as her personality.

The New York Times - Sports

Offshore, Somali pirates are as bold as ever.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bold as" to create vivid comparisons, particularly when emphasizing someone's daring or unconventional approach. For example, "The artist's vision was "bold as" the colors she used on the canvas."

Common error

Avoid using "bold as" in situations where a more nuanced description of courage or confidence is required. Overusing it can make your writing sound cliché or lacking in specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bold as" functions as part of a simile, used for comparison. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to describe something that possesses the quality of boldness to a high degree, often emphasizing courage or audacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bold as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used simile. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a high degree of courage or audacity through comparison. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources and maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. When looking for alternatives, consider "brave as", "courageous as", or "audacious as" to fine-tune the specific nuance you want to express. Remember to use "bold as" to create vivid comparisons, particularly when emphasizing someone's daring or unconventional approach. Be mindful of overusing the simile, which can lead to your writing sounding cliche and lacking in specificity. Ludwig's analysis helps in understanding the contexts and subtleties of using "bold as" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courageous as

Changes the adjective to emphasize bravery.

brave as

Similar to courageous, focusing on bravery in the face of fear.

audacious as

Highlights a willingness to take risks.

daring as

Implies a willingness to do dangerous or unusual things.

intrepid as

Suggests fearlessness and determination.

valiant as

Emphasizes bravery and nobility.

fearless as

Directly conveys a lack of fear.

assertive as

Focuses on confidence and a willingness to express oneself.

confident as

Highlights self-assurance.

resolute as

Implies determination and unwavering purpose.

FAQs

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

Use "bold as" to compare someone or something to a concept of fearlessness or audacity. For example, "Her proposal was as "bold as" it was innovative."

What phrases are similar to "bold as"?

You can use alternatives like "brave as", "courageous as", or "audacious as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "bold as" or "brave as"?

The choice between "bold as" and "brave as" depends on the context. "Bold as" implies a sense of daring and willingness to take risks, while "brave as" suggests courage in the face of fear.

When is it appropriate to use the simile "bold as brass"?

Use "bold as brass" when you want to describe someone who is brazen, cheeky, or audacious, often in a way that might be considered rude or inappropriate. For example, "He walked right in, "bold as" brass, and demanded to speak to the manager."