brave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who shows courage or is willing to face danger or challenges. Example: "The brave firefighter rushed into the burning building to save the trapped residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What must have really stung was that the top-placed European whisky was the Chapter 14 Not Peated, which is from England! You'd be a brave man to order that at the Highlander.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They might have put a brave face on things, but being a target for mass booing and urine-filled missiles must have been a bruising experience.

The Guardian - Music

Only Martina Navratilova, who presented Williams with the trophy, was older when winning a grand slam title (at Wimbledon in 1990) but it would take a brave person to believe that her third French Open win will be the last of her major victories.

The Guardian - Sport

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty's Northern Ireland programme director, said: "The then Irish government took a brave and unprecedented step when bringing the case against the UK back in 1971.

The Guardian

Some readers felt that the actions of the Greenpeace activists were as brave, if not braver, than Snowden's.

The Guardian

He describes LeBeouf as "incredibly brave" and "a very rare person".

The Guardian - Film

It was a brave and dignified statement that must have cost him hours of agonising to make.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wish I could have been brave enough to shake off the feelings of fear and shame and stepped up and done so, but like many victims I was too terrified.

The Guardian

Perhaps next time, as well as mentioning schools, fire services and benefits, some brave Radio 4 presenter will mention the business coaching and marketing and advocacy services provided by the Department for Business (annual cost: nearly £5bn).

The Guardian - Opinion

Of the Lib Dem leader, he said: "He was a very brave man and is a very brave politician".

The Guardian

"I think Malala is a brave and an intelligent girl," reads the first entry in her own diary, titled A Tribute to Malala.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brave" to describe actions or individuals who exhibit courage in the face of adversity. For instance, "The "brave" firefighters rescued the family from the burning building."

Common error

Avoid using "brave" to describe ordinary actions that do not involve significant risk or courage. Overusing the word can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The word "brave" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a noun's quality of possessing or displaying courage. Ludwig AI Examples show it is used to characterize individuals, actions, or decisions exhibiting courage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "brave" is a common adjective used to describe someone who shows courage when facing danger or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms that "brave" is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. Synonyms include "courageous", "fearless", and "intrepid". Use "brave" to commend acts of courage but avoid overusing it for mundane situations. To enhance writing, consider alternative phrases for nuance and context. Remember that using "brave" in formal contexts requires careful consideration to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courageous

Focuses specifically on facing danger with valor.

fearless

Implies an absence of fear, highlighting unwavering resolve.

intrepid

Suggests boldness and adventurousness in the face of the unknown.

valiant

Emphasizes heroic and noble qualities in bravery.

daring

Highlights a willingness to take risks.

audacious

Implies boldness and a willingness to challenge conventions.

heroic

Emphasizes acts of bravery that benefit others.

bold

Highlights a confident and assertive approach.

gallant

Suggests courteous and chivalrous bravery.

plucky

Emphasizes resilience and determination in difficult situations.

FAQs

How can I use "brave" in a sentence?

You can use "brave" to describe someone who shows courage in the face of danger, for example: "She was a "brave" soldier who fought for her country."

What's a more formal synonym for "brave"?

A more formal synonym for "brave" is "courageous", which also implies facing danger with valor.

What can I say instead of "brave" to describe someone who takes risks?

If you want to describe someone who takes risks, you could use "daring" or "audacious".

Is it correct to say someone is "brave enough"?

Yes, it is correct to say someone is "brave enough". It indicates that they possess the necessary courage to do something. For instance, "He was "brave enough" to speak out against injustice".