feeling bold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling bold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a sense of confidence or willingness to take risks in various situations. Example: "Today, I'm feeling bold enough to try something new and adventurous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was feeling bold.

The New Yorker

She was feeling bold, being bold.

The Guardian

finished with 558 yards, which left Patterson feeling bold enough to compare his team to top-ranked Oregon.

The New York Times - Sports

If you're feeling bold you could simply delete any messages more than, for example, one month old.

The Guardian - Money

If you're feeling bold enough, spread a whole ripe avocado over the bread, followed by salt and lemon juice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If I'm feeling bold, I'll add white socks to the mix, which seems a bit more "Happy Days".

The New York Times

The animal spirits of corporate America appear to have awakened, with business leaders feeling bold again even as the economy remains sluggish.

The New York Times

There isn't a blog, but there is a daily video and a very user-friendly interface for accessing model and recon data if you're feeling bold.

The New York Times

In a store, you might glance at it, maybe even touch it, and if you're feeling bold, try it on, even if you know it's out of your price range.

The New York Times

In the next four years, he published another novel and a short-story collection, and by the end of 1951 he was feeling bold enough to resign his position at his firm, Sullivan & Cromwell, and try out writing full time.

The New Yorker

During the day, if he's feeling bold, he walks across the strip-mall parking lot to order lunch at Subway, pointing at the menu when he doesn't know the English word for something.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "feeling bold" with a specific action to clearly convey the context of your boldness, such as "feeling bold enough to ask for a raise".

Common error

While versatile, "feeling bold" might sound too informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for phrases like "demonstrating initiative" or "taking a proactive approach" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling bold" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing a temporary state of mind. Ludwig indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, denoting confidence and a willingness to take risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling bold" is a common and generally accepted way to describe a state of mind characterized by confidence and a readiness to take risks. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal settings. While versatile, it may be too informal for academic or professional writing, where alternatives like "demonstrating initiative" or "taking a proactive approach" might be more suitable. When using "feeling bold", ensure the context is clear and that it aligns with the desired tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling daring

Highlights a willingness to take risks and challenge norms, very similar to "feeling bold".

feeling courageous

Emphasizes bravery and facing fears, slightly stronger than "feeling bold".

feeling audacious

Suggests a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks, carrying a stronger connotation of confidence.

feeling adventurous

Focuses on a desire for new experiences and exploration, implying a sense of excitement alongside boldness.

feeling intrepid

Suggests fearlessness and adventurousness, implying a more proactive and determined kind of boldness.

feeling brave

Highlights courage in the face of potential danger or adversity, similar to "feeling bold" but more focused on overcoming fear.

feeling assertive

Highlights confidence and the ability to express oneself firmly, different nuance from pure boldness.

feeling confident

Focuses on self-assurance, capturing part of the meaning of "feeling bold" but lacking the risk-taking aspect.

feeling spirited

Captures a sense of enthusiasm and energy that can lead to bold actions, less about pure risk-taking.

feeling empowered

Emphasizes having the strength and authority to act, which relates to boldness but adds a sense of agency.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "feeling bold"?

Saying someone is "feeling bold" means they are experiencing a sense of confidence and are ready to take risks or try something new that they might usually avoid.

What are some situations where someone might be "feeling bold"?

Someone might be "feeling bold" when trying a new hairstyle, expressing an unpopular opinion, or undertaking a challenging project. It often involves stepping outside of one's comfort zone.

What can I say instead of "feeling bold" to express a similar idea?

You can use alternatives like "feeling daring", "feeling courageous", or "feeling adventurous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feeling bold" appropriate for formal writing?

While "feeling bold" is widely understood, it might be too informal for some professional or academic contexts. In such cases, consider more formal alternatives like "demonstrating initiative" or "taking a proactive approach".