bolder

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bolder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is more adventurous, daring, or courageous than usual. For example, "Alice has become bolder in her approach to business, taking bigger risks and pushing for more ambitious projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What I'm saying is that I can help Labour be bolder to deliver the changes we need.

The Guardian

Related: BBC election debate – Sturgeon to Miliband: I can help Labour be bolder – live Sturgeon, the Green party's Natalie Bennett and Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood repeatedly called for a slowdown in paying off the deficit.

The Guardian

Slate has an even bolder claim, as yet without sources.

The Guardian

The coalition should have been much bolder in reducing spending from the outset.

The Guardian

"The government needs to come up with a bolder, long-term plan for housebuilding so that families across the country can find the homes they need, at a price they can afford".

The Guardian - Money

Does he blame Miliband for the failure to be bolder, for the minimalist, incoherent eventual offer?

The Guardian

The South African human rights commission took a bolder position and "strongly reject[s] the notion that the freedom to live and love without fear of violence and regardless of one's sexual orientation is part of a rights framework from western countries.

The Guardian

Her new material, which she calls "doom soul", lifts those bedroom folk numbers to bolder, less lo-fi spirituals, amplifying skeleton-bare fingerpicking with piano, cello and a delicate reverb that speaks of echoing church halls and ascending prayers.

The Guardian

Bigger and bolder gangs of self-righteous creeps are gathering outside clinics, saying their prayers, trying to stop abortions, and I thought we'd won that one ages ago.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the close of what had been a relatively routine TV debate between five opposition party leaders, the simmering contest between Sturgeon and Miliband came to the boil when she said: "I can help Labour be bolder … take the chance to kick David Cameron out of Downing Street.

The Guardian

Recognisable by their black T-shirts with a swastika-like emblem, its members are growing bolder in their harassment of immigrants.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bolder" when you want to convey an increased level of courage, risk-taking, or confidence compared to a previous state or alternative option. For example, "The company needs a bolder strategy to compete effectively."

Common error

Don't use "bolder" when you simply mean 'larger' or 'more prominent'. "Bolder" implies a sense of daring or risk, not just increased size or visibility. For example, instead of saying, "The bolder font made the text easier to read", consider "larger" or "more prominent".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bolder" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating a higher degree of boldness relative to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability as a descriptive term, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "bolder" functions as a comparative adjective typically used to advocate for more decisive or courageous actions. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across news and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate "bolder" from terms denoting mere size or prominence. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "more daring" or "more assertive" to convey nuanced meaning as needed. The analysis underscores that "bolder" serves effectively in professional and news-related writing, adding a layer of impactful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more daring

Emphasizes a greater willingness to take risks.

more courageous

Highlights bravery and willingness to face challenges.

more assertive

Focuses on a stronger, more confident approach.

more decisive

Highlights the ability to make quick and firm decisions.

more audacious

Suggests a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

more venturesome

Implies a readiness to embark on new and risky undertakings.

more intrepid

Emphasizes fearlessness and resilience in the face of adversity.

more resolute

Highlights firmness of purpose and unwavering determination.

more forward-thinking

Focuses on innovative plans.

more proactive

Implies a readiness to initiate actions.

FAQs

How can I use "bolder" in a sentence?

"Bolder" is often used to describe actions, strategies, or decisions that are more daring or courageous than usual. For example, "The company needs a "bolder approach" to marketing to attract younger customers."

What are some alternatives to using "bolder"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "more daring", "more courageous", or "more assertive".

When is it appropriate to use "bolder" instead of "stronger"?

"Bolder" implies a willingness to take risks or challenge the status quo, while "stronger" suggests increased power or resilience. Use "bolder" when the emphasis is on daring or unconventional action, and "stronger" when the focus is on resilience or robustness.

Is "bolder" a formal or informal term?

"Bolder" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for professional or news-related writing. In very informal settings, you might choose a more colloquial alternative, but the term fits well across different registers.