extreme nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme nerve" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used to describe a situation where someone shows an extraordinary level of audacity or boldness, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "It took extreme nerve to confront the CEO about the company's unethical practices."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And Obama, in the past, has shown himself plenty capable of extreme nerve, extraordinary verve and epic self-promotion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because of their extreme potency, nerve agents which scientists call cholinesterase inhibitors are rightfully feared.

The New Yorker

"Certainly, we would have liked the margin to have been much more comfortable," Michael McGimpsey, a Trimble ally, said grimly, "but this is a period of extreme tension, nerves and worry for the party, and there would have been an element of protest votes in there.

The New York Times

The more extreme interventions, with nerve stimulators, for example, are a relatively recent development — in some cases the results are tremendous, and in others the technique doesn't succeed.

The New Yorker

As a result of prolonged proximity to such "sublime beauty", he was overcome with an extreme case of nerves and palpitations.

Independent

Six patients were excluded because of extreme outlying values on nerve conduction tests, yielding a set of 456 patients with complete data.

Diabetes Care

It's that moment of pure joy in accomplishment and extreme relief that the nerves, fatigue and struggle were worth it.

The New York Times

Outwardly, these may be summed up as the frenzied pursuit of every possible sensory impression, an extreme exacerbation of the nerves, a constant outraging of the body.

The New York Times

"They all said yes. "They kept their cool and their nerves under extreme conditions".

BBC

In advanced stages of the disease, the nerves suffer extreme damage, and total lack of senses is experienced.

WikiHow

Probably most common are the more severe effects of long-term thiamin deficiency degeneration of the peripheral nerves (with permanent damage in extreme cases) and beriberi heart disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's actions, use "extreme nerve" to highlight their unexpected audacity or boldness, especially in situations where such behavior is risky or unconventional.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme nerve" in formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "remarkable resilience" or "exceptional courage" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme nerve" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying the noun "nerve" with the adjective "extreme". It suggests a heightened or intensified state of boldness or audacity. Ludwig suggests this phrase is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extreme nerve" is a phrase used to describe a heightened state of boldness or audacity. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests it's not very common and may sound awkward. The phrase appears mostly in news, science, and wiki contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "remarkable composure" or "exceptional courage". The phrase suggests a person acts with high boldness, especially in unexpected or risky situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unbelievable audacity

Replaces "nerve" with "audacity", emphasizing boldness and disregard for conventions.

limitless audacity

Amplifies the sense of boldness to suggest no boundaries or inhibitions.

sheer boldness

Focuses on the quality of being daring and unafraid, simplifying the phrase.

colossal gall

Uses "gall" to indicate impudence or effrontery of a high degree.

remarkable composure

Shifts the focus to maintaining a calm and collected demeanor under pressure.

exceptional fortitude

Highlights the strength and resilience required to face difficult situations.

extraordinary courage

Emphasizes bravery and valor in the face of adversity.

supreme self-assurance

Highlights unwavering confidence in one's abilities or judgment.

uncommon daring

Focuses on a rare or unusual level of adventurousness and willingness to take risks.

outrageous cheek

Conveys a sense of brazen impudence or disrespect.

FAQs

How can I use "extreme nerve" in a sentence?

You might use "extreme nerve" to describe someone who acts boldly in a difficult situation, such as, "It took "extreme nerve" to confront the corrupt official."

What's a good substitute for "extreme nerve"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "unbelievable audacity", "sheer boldness", or "remarkable composure".

Is "extreme nerve" appropriate for formal writing?

While understandable, "extreme nerve" might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider more formal alternatives like "exceptional courage" or "uncommon daring".

What does "extreme nerve" imply about a person's actions?

Using "extreme nerve" suggests the person is acting with a high degree of boldness or audacity, often in a situation where such behavior is unexpected or risky.