courage and determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "courage and determination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe qualities or traits that are essential for overcoming challenges or achieving goals. Example: "With courage and determination, she faced the obstacles that stood in her way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is showing conviction, courage and determination.

The Washington Post

Make your way with courage and determination.

Columbia University

It is also about courage and determination".

The Guardian - Sport

Empathy, inquisitiveness, courage, and determination defined her daily life.

The New York Times

Gilly approached her illness with courage and determination.

The Guardian

"We showed a lot of courage and determination".

The Guardian - Sport

Their courage and determination impressed a watching world.

The New York Times

Hamilton's story of resilience, courage, and determination was an inspiration.

The New Yorker

This is a testament to their courage and determination.

The New York Times

A man of great courage and determination to live.

The New York Times

She faced the disease with courage and determination.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "courage and determination" to highlight the mental and emotional strength required to overcome significant obstacles. It is most effective when describing a sustained effort, not just a single act of bravery.

Common error

Avoid using "courage and determination" interchangeably with simple bravery or effort. While bravery might describe a single act, and effort just describes application, "courage and determination" implies a sustained and resilient approach to a difficult challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "courage and determination" functions as a compound noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes qualities inherent in a person or group. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in highlighting admirable traits in individuals facing adversity, such as fighting illness or overcoming obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "courage and determination" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe the qualities needed to overcome significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Appearing frequently in news, media and academic contexts, it effectively conveys the spirit of resilience and strong resolve. When using this phrase, consider its implications of sustained effort and mental fortitude to ensure it accurately reflects the situation. For alternatives, consider "bravery and resolve", or "grit and perseverance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bravery and resolve

Swaps "courage" and "determination" for synonyms emphasizing boldness and firm decision-making.

grit and perseverance

Replaces "courage" with "grit" and "determination" with a synonym suggesting tenacity and persistence.

fortitude and tenacity

Uses synonyms that highlight mental and emotional strength in enduring hardship.

pluck and willpower

Emphasizes spirited bravery and strong-mindedness as the driving forces.

boldness and persistence

Focuses on the characteristic of being daring and continuing firmly despite difficulties.

audacity and resilience

Highlights daring action and the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

valor and steadfastness

Replaces "courage" with valor to amplify bravery and "determination" with a synonym expressing resolution.

undaunted spirit and resolve

Emphasizes a fearless attitude and firm decision to overcome obstacles.

intrepidity and drive

Focuses on fearlessness when facing challenges and the motivation to push forward.

heart and commitment

Uses more figurative language to convey bravery and dedication.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "courage and determination" in a sentence?

Use "courage and determination" to emphasize the mental and emotional fortitude someone shows when facing long-term or significant obstacles. For instance, "The athlete showed immense courage and determination in recovering from her injury" highlights her resilience.

What are some alternatives to "courage and determination"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "bravery and resolve", "grit and perseverance", or "fortitude and tenacity". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "courage and determination" and "bravery and effort"?

"Courage and determination" suggests a sustained and resilient approach to challenges, while "bravery and effort" might imply a single act of valor coupled with general exertion. The former conveys a deeper sense of long-term commitment and mental strength.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "courage and determination"?

Avoid using "courage and determination" when describing simple tasks or situations that don't require significant mental or emotional resilience. It's best reserved for scenarios involving adversity, hardship, or long-term commitment to a challenging goal.