courage to challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "courage to challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the bravery required to question or confront something, such as authority, norms, or difficult situations. Example: "It takes a great deal of courage to challenge the status quo and advocate for change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now fewer civil servants will have the courage to challenge their political masters.

The Economist

And, so far, the Democrats haven't had the political courage to challenge them head-on.

The New York Times

Does he lack the courage to challenge popular misconceptions, or is this just intellectual laziness?

The New York Times

It will require political courage – the courage to challenge the corporate power that is quickly appropriating our food systems.

The Guardian

Senator Leonard Lance, a Republican from Hunterdon County, praised Mr. McGreevey for having the political courage to challenge developers.

The New York Times

But people are looking for someone who might have the courage to challenge the profound flaws in the status quo.

The New York Times

But that will only happen if we have the courage to challenge the UK's current cultural model.

The Guardian

If Republican majorities cannot pluck up the courage to challenge a cartel of interior designers when Florida's unemployment rate is more than 10%, what hope has America?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Even the most opinionated employees rarely muster enough courage to overtly challenge the boss.

Huffington Post

Her studies gave her the courage and strength to challenge the Venezuelan state before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, willhearll heargumentsnts on the case on 17 March.

The Guardian

They will cluck in appreciation of your courage in rising to challenge those nutty Republicans by exposing their insane religious beliefs, since they too agree that such are akin to a belief in space aliens.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "courage to challenge", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being challenged. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "courage to challenge" without specifying what is being challenged. Saying someone has "the courage to challenge" leaves the reader wondering what exactly they are confronting. Provide a specific object or situation to give the phrase weight and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "courage to challenge" functions as a noun phrase that describes the possession of bravery or valor needed to confront a particular person, thing, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable in various writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

The New Yorker

2%

Independent

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "courage to challenge" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the bravery needed to confront norms, authorities, or difficult situations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely applicable and understood. It appears most frequently in news and media, science and Huffington Post, highlighting its relevance across diverse fields. When using this phrase, clarity is key, so ensure the object of the challenge is clearly defined. Alternatives like "bravery to confront" or "guts to question" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bravery to confront

Replaces "courage" with "bravery", emphasizing the quality of being brave when facing a challenge.

determination to challenge

Emphasizes the firm decision ("determination") and resolve to challenge something.

guts to question

Uses the informal term "guts" instead of "courage", suggesting a more visceral or instinctive form of bravery in questioning something.

willingness to confront

Focuses on the readiness or disposition ("willingness") to face a difficult situation or person directly ("confront").

fortitude to challenge

Highlights the courage and mental strength ("fortitude") to challenge something.

resolve to defy

Shifts the focus to the determination ("resolve") to openly resist or disobey ("defy") something.

audacity to resist

Highlights the boldness and daring ("audacity") involved in opposing ("resist") something.

spirit to challenge

Highlights an attitude, disposition, or tendency ("spirit") to challenge something.

nerve to oppose

Emphasizes the strength of character or boldness ("nerve") needed to go against ("oppose") something.

inclination to question

Highlights a tendency or willingness ("inclination") to question something, rather than outright challenge it.

FAQs

How can I use "courage to challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "courage to challenge" to describe someone's bravery in questioning or opposing something, such as "She had the "courage to challenge" the company's policies".

What are some alternatives to "courage to challenge"?

Alternatives include "bravery to confront", "guts to question", or "resolve to defy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "courage to challenge" or "ability to challenge"?

"Courage to challenge" emphasizes the bravery required, while "ability to challenge" focuses on the skill or capacity to do so. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight bravery or competence.

What does it mean to have the "courage to challenge" the status quo?

Having the "courage to challenge" the status quo means being brave enough to question and potentially disrupt existing norms, beliefs, or power structures.