brave the unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

"brave the unknown" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to face or take on something that is uncertain or unfamiliar. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when embarking on a new adventure, taking a risk, or overcoming fear. For example: - The group of explorers bravely braved the unknown as they ventured into the uncharted jungle. - It takes courage to brave the unknown and start a new business. - Sarah decided to brave the unknown and move to a new country for a job opportunity. - Despite their fears, the team decided to brave the unknown and explore the dark cave. - John was determined to brave the unknown and climb the treacherous mountain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Without the steps out our front door to brave the unknown, the afternoon nap becomes numbing, and the cozy chair becomes a cage.

Huffington Post

I realize that most of us are simply afraid of change and would rather stay in a stagnant relationship than brave the unknown.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm especially grateful because my 10th great-grandfather, Governor William Bradford, braved the unknown and came to America on the Mayflower to start life anew.

Huffington Post

In it the image of Gala, in the robes and the pose of a saint, decorates the huge banner that accompanies the boyishly appealing explorer's first brave steps onto the unknown shore.

The New York Times - Travel

This is my life and to be grateful for it I must remember not only the joys but each brave step through the unknown adversities of CF. Each of those difficult days, moments laden with tears, and life-changing trials has led me to this very day, has molded me into who I am, and has given me some of life's richest relationships and memories.

Huffington Post

But the musician was brave and stepped forward into the unknown, and all the while he played to himself, to keep his spirits up and to remind himself of the world of the living he had left behind.

The Guardian - Books

Instead of clearing the air, the election left the original, unhappy miasma intact: a society fed up with austerity, sensitive to the iniquities of global capitalism, but not quite brave enough to leap into the unknown.

The New Yorker

If you were brave enough to venture into the unknown, you gave it a try.

Huffington Post

The unknown princess is brave for giving up the status, the luxury, and power that comes with belonging to Al Saud, the largest ruling family in human history who are running the largest absolute monarchy in the world today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Troyanov's novel is itself an act of brave exploration, setting out to chart the unknown and unknowable by filling in the blank spaces of Richard Francis Burton.

The New York Times - Books

"Only the brave came to check on their houses, because it was as if you are entering the unknown, you never know when the battle will start again," said Ammar, using just one name out of concern for retaliation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brave the unknown" when you want to highlight the resilience or daring nature of the subject. It is particularly effective in narrative storytelling or motivational writing where the stakes of the uncertainty are high.

Common error

Avoid using brave as an adjective when the sentence requires a verb. For instance, do not write "he was brave the unknown"; instead, write "he was brave enough to face the unknown" or simply "he chose to "brave the unknown"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brave the unknown" functions as a transitive verb phrase. In this context, "brave" is used as a verb meaning to endure or face without showing fear. According to Ludwig, this usage is standard in English and frequently appears in various narrative and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

General Reference

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Social Media

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brave the unknown" is a powerful and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of facing uncertainty with courage. While the exact phrase appeared rarely in the literal match count within the provided Ludwig data, its components and variants are staples of high-quality English journalism and literature. Ludwig AI confirms its validity as a way to emphasize resilience. It is best used in contexts that require a more evocative or inspiring tone than simple alternatives like "face the unknown". Writers should be careful to use it as a verb to avoid grammatical confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face the unknown

Uses a more neutral verb that lacks the specific connotation of courage found in brave

venture into the unknown

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical journey into a new area

step into the unknown

Suggests a more cautious or initial movement into uncertainty

embrace the unknown

Implies a positive or welcoming attitude toward uncertainty rather than just enduring it

confront the unknown

Suggests a direct, perhaps more aggressive or inevitable meeting with uncertainty

risk the unknown

Focuses on the potential for loss or the gamble involved in the action

dare the unknown

Adds a sense of challenge or defiance against the odds

explore the unknown

Shifts the focus toward discovery and gathering knowledge

brave the unfamiliar

Replaces the noun to focus on things that are simply not known yet rather than completely mysterious

brave the elements

A common idiom specifically referring to facing difficult weather conditions

FAQs

How do I use "brave the unknown" in a sentence?

You can use it as a standard verb phrase, such as: "To grow as a person, one must be willing to "brave the unknown" and try new things."

What is a more common way to say "brave the unknown"?

A more common and slightly more neutral alternative is "face the unknown".

Is "brave the unknown" formal enough for business writing?

While it is grammatically correct, it can sound a bit dramatic for formal business reports. In such cases, you might prefer "navigate uncertainty" or "manage the unknown".

What does it mean to "brave the unknown"?

It means to approach a situation that is unfamiliar or uncertain with courage and determination, rather than letting "fear of the unknown" stop you.