dare to think

USAGE SUMMARY

"dare to think" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to encourage others to consider something that requires some courage or risk-taking, such as an unconventional approach to a problem. For example, "Don't be afraid to think outside the box and take calculated risks – dare to think boldly!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I don't dare to think my paintings are great.

The New York Times - Magazine

/ And I'd only dare to think it on my break. .

The Guardian - Books

Dare to think for yourself, to look for yourself, to make up your own mind".

The New York Times

But they were beginning to dare to think differently about Libya, and about him.

The Economist

"I don't even dare to think about things like enjoying family happiness".

The New York Times

I did not dare to think of anything but Isabel's present, torturous but still beautiful life.

The New Yorker

Only a madman would dare to think of such a thing.

The New Yorker

Come on, trade unions, and more urgently, come on, the Labour party – dare to think radically.

The Guardian

Those are the big issues people don't dare to think about.

The New York Times

He said he did not dare to think of challenging his superiors.

The New York Times

"After so many years I didn't dare to think they would ever return," Rüger said.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dare to think" to encourage innovation and problem-solving by suggesting a shift away from conventional approaches.

Common error

While "dare to think" can be inspirational, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or specific term might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dare to think" functions primarily as an imperative, encouraging the audience to engage in bold, unconventional, or critical thought. It is often used to inspire innovation or challenge existing norms, which is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dare to think" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves as an imperative to encourage bold and innovative thinking. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's found across diverse contexts, including news, media, and academic writing. While its register is generally neutral, it carries a motivational tone, inspiring individuals to challenge conventions and explore new ideas. Alternatives like "think boldly" or "think outside the box" offer similar meanings with slightly varied emphasis. Therefore, use "dare to think" when advocating for a shift in perspective or a courageous approach to problem-solving, but avoid overuse in excessively formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think boldly

Focuses on the courageous aspect of thinking without explicitly mentioning daring.

think outside the box

Emphasizes unconventional and creative thinking, differing from standard approaches.

think independently

Highlights the freedom and autonomy in one's thinking process.

think creatively

Stresses the generation of new and imaginative ideas.

think imaginatively

Focuses on visualizing and conceptualizing novel ideas.

think unconventionally

Suggests thinking against established norms and traditions.

challenge conventional wisdom

Emphasizes questioning and opposing commonly accepted beliefs.

question assumptions

Focuses on scrutinizing the underlying beliefs and premises.

exercise critical thinking

Highlights the analytical and evaluative aspect of thinking.

embrace radical ideas

Encourages the acceptance and exploration of new or different concepts.

FAQs

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

Use "dare to think" to encourage someone to consider new ideas or challenge existing assumptions. For example, "In order to innovate, we must "dare to think" beyond our current limitations".

What are some alternatives to "dare to think"?

Alternatives include phrases like "think boldly", "think outside the box", or "think independently", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "dare to think"?

It's suitable in situations where you want to inspire creativity, innovation, or a challenging of established norms. This can be in business, education, or personal development contexts.

How does "dare to think" differ from simply "think"?

"Dare to think" implies a level of courage or risk-taking in the thinking process, suggesting a move beyond the ordinary or expected. Simply "think" is a more neutral and general term.