dared to take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dared to take" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of bravery or boldness in undertaking an action that may be considered challenging or risky. Example: "She dared to take the first step towards her dreams, despite the obstacles in her way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody dared to take a sip.

The New Yorker

Nobody dared to take on Spain in attacking style.

The New York Times - Sports

No barrister dared to take liberties with him.

The Guardian

That said, I'm glad Paterniti dared to take cheese-sign prose to the outer limits.

The New York Times - Books

I am being punished because I dared to take from people like them.

The Guardian

She dared to take on the powerful Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), currently ruling most of India.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only three Iraqis dared to take penalties, and Zair was one of them.

The Guardian

Andrew Loosely "It dared to take on a tricky contemporary issue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If they dared to take TV Kragujevac, we couldn't avoid a serious conflict".

The New York Times

Far from Bloomsbury's cool, frowning white terraces, my story dared to take shape.

The Guardian - Books

And because no Egyptian wanted or dared to take him on in the name of Islam.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dared to take" to highlight actions requiring boldness, often against opposition or in the face of risk. It adds a layer of admiration or surprise to the action.

Common error

Avoid using "dared to take" for everyday actions; it's best reserved for situations where the action genuinely involves risk, courage, or defiance. Opt for simpler verbs when describing routine choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dared to take" functions as a verb phrase expressing that someone acted bravely or boldly in doing something that might be considered risky, challenging, or unconventional. Ludwig AI analysis of many examples confirms its use in contexts where courage or defiance is highlighted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dared to take" is a commonly used phrase that signifies bravery or audacity in undertaking an action. Ludwig AI shows it is grammatically correct and appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it emphasizes courage, defiance, or unexpected actions. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations that genuinely involve risk or challenge. Consider alternatives like ""was bold enough to take"" or "had the courage to take" for nuanced expressions. Remember to avoid overuse in mundane situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was bold enough to take

This expresses a straightforward sense of courage and confidence in taking action.

had the courage to take

Focuses specifically on the bravery required to take a particular action.

had the audacity to take

This alternative emphasizes boldness and perhaps a degree of impudence or arrogance in taking something.

bravely took

Highlights the courage displayed when taking action, more direct and emphatic.

ventured to take

Implies a risk or uncertainty involved in taking something, suggesting a careful approach.

risked taking

Focuses on the element of danger and potential negative consequences associated with the act.

took the liberty of taking

Suggests taking something without explicit permission, often implying a minor transgression.

defied expectations to take

Emphasizes acting against what was predicted or deemed likely, to achieve something.

showed initiative to take

Highlights the proactive and enterprising nature of taking a specific action.

presumed to take

Indicates a level of arrogance or entitlement in the act of taking.

FAQs

How can I use "dared to take" in a sentence?

Use "dared to take" to describe actions that required courage or were against expectations. For example, "She "dared to take" on the powerful corporation with her small lawsuit."

What does it mean when someone "dares to take" something?

It implies the person showed bravery or audacity in taking something, especially if it was risky or unexpected. The phrase highlights the courage involved.

Which is more appropriate: "dared to take" or "had the courage to take"?

Both are similar, but "dared to take" often suggests a bolder, perhaps more defiant action, while "had the courage to take" focuses on the bravery needed. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. You can also use alternative phrases like "was bold enough to take".

What's the difference between "dared to take" and "wanted to take"?

"Dared to take" emphasizes courage and risk, while "wanted to take" simply expresses a desire. The first suggests overcoming obstacles, while the second does not.