dare to do

USAGE SUMMARY

"dare to do" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the challenge associated with taking action, especially to encourage someone to try something difficult. For example, "Dare to do something new today!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will it dare to do so again?

The Economist

Could Mr Cem dare to do so?

The Economist

What would I dare to do next?

The New York Times - Magazine

Ooh, we don't dare to, do we?

The Guardian

But I wouldn't dare to do it".

The Guardian - Books

"If that happens, nobody will dare to do it again".

The New York Times

I can certainly dare to do something different.

The Guardian

Even "The Sopranos" didn't dare to do that.

The New York Times - Arts

You don't dare to do something beyond what everybody else thinks".

The New York Times - Science

That attitude turns journalists who dare to do their jobs into easy targets.

The New York Times

We did some crazy things, things I don't think I would dare to do now.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dare to do" to encourage action and challenge conventional thinking, emphasizing bravery and a willingness to take risks. For example, "Dare to do what others deem impossible".

Common error

Avoid using "dare to do" merely as a cliché. Ensure the context genuinely reflects courage or risk-taking, not just routine tasks presented dramatically. For example, saying "Dare to do the dishes" is an over-dramatization for a normal chore.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dare to do" functions as a modal construction, expressing the speaker's assessment of the agent's courage, willingness, or audacity to perform a certain action. Ludwig examples show it commonly used to highlight challenging or unconventional actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dare to do" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression, commonly used across diverse contexts to signify courage, challenge, or a willingness to take risks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct phrase, and its prevalence in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes attests to its widespread acceptability. When writing, use "dare to do" to motivate action, emphasize bravery, and encourage challenging norms, but be mindful of avoiding over-dramatization in mundane situations. Consider alternatives like "venture to do" or "be bold enough to do" to fine-tune your message. The phrase is appropriate for neutral registers and is recognized and understood in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

venture to do

Implies a willingness to take risks or brave potential dangers.

be bold enough to do

Emphasizes courage as a prerequisite for the action.

be brave enough to do

Similar to 'be bold enough', but with a stronger emphasis on overcoming fear.

brave to do

Highlights courage and facing fears in taking an action.

summon the nerve to do

Focuses on the mental fortitude needed to perform the action.

muster the courage to do

Highlights the effort required to overcome fear and take action.

risk doing

Focuses on the potential negative consequences of an action.

have the audacity to do

Suggests boldness and a potential disregard for rules or expectations.

take the plunge

Implies a decisive commitment to an action, often after hesitation.

step out of your comfort zone

Emphasizes leaving familiar and safe situations to try something new or challenging.

FAQs

How can I use "dare to do" in a sentence?

You can use "dare to do" to express courage or challenge. For example, "She didn't "dare to speak" her mind at the meeting" or "Dare to dream big, even if it seems impossible".

What is a synonym for "dare to do"?

Alternatives for "dare to do" include "venture to do", "be bold enough to do", or "risk doing", depending on the context.

What does it mean to "dare to do" something?

To "dare to do" something means to have the courage or audacity to do something that is difficult, risky, or unconventional. It often implies overcoming fear or societal norms.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "dare to do"?

While grammatically correct, "dare to do" may not always be appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic. Use it when you genuinely want to emphasize courage, risk, or a challenge to convention.