found the courage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "found the courage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone discovers or summons the strength to do something difficult or challenging. For example, "It took her two years, but she finally found the courage to leave her abusive partner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To this day, I wonder where I found the courage.

The New Yorker

Now she found the courage to yell it out continually.

The Economist

By 2013, Sarah had found the courage to leave.

The Guardian

"I wish we had found the courage to speak out earlier against nuclear power".

The New York Times

I asked Jawahir how she found the courage to speak about such a taboo subject.

The New York Times

"She will have found the courage, and know we are no threat".

The New Yorker

I've finally found the courage to let it all hang out.

The New York Times

When she was 17, she found the courage to call her mother out of nowhere.

Independent

In the end, they found the courage to tell her so.

Independent

He found the courage to throw away the props, costumes and stage sets.

The Guardian - Music

A year ago, my mother finally found the courage to leave my abusive stepfather.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "found the courage" when you want to emphasize that someone overcame fear or reluctance to take a specific action. It's particularly effective when highlighting personal growth or a turning point.

Common error

Avoid using "found the courage" when describing actions that are impulsive or lack proper planning. Courage involves facing a challenge despite fear, not ignoring potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found the courage" functions as a verb phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of discovering or summoning the inner strength required to face a challenging or frightening situation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "found the courage" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone overcoming fear or reluctance to take a significant action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news and media, as well as science-related content, and is appropriate for a neutral register. When using the phrase, focus on accurately conveying the sense of overcoming a challenge, and avoid confusing it with recklessness. Alternatives like "summoned the bravery" or "mustered the strength" can add nuance to your writing. Overall, understanding the proper context and usage of "found the courage" will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summoned the bravery

Focuses on actively calling upon bravery, implying a conscious effort to be brave.

mustered the strength

Emphasizes gathering inner strength, highlighting the effort required to face a challenge.

discovered the resolve

Highlights the finding of determination, shifting the focus to a firm decision.

acquired the fortitude

Suggests obtaining mental and emotional strength, which is a more formal variation.

drew upon inner resources

Implies using one's own inner reserves of strength, changing the emphasis to self-reliance.

worked up the nerve

Focuses on overcoming anxiety or fear, indicating a build-up of courage.

took heart

Suggests becoming encouraged and gaining confidence, using a more idiomatic expression.

built up the confidence

Emphasizes a gradual increase in self-assurance, indicating a building process.

got the gumption

Implies a display of initiative and courage, using a more informal term.

rose to the occasion

Highlights responding effectively to a difficult event, changing the focus to action.

FAQs

How can I use "found the courage" in a sentence?

You can use "found the courage" to describe someone overcoming fear or reluctance to do something. For example, "She "found the courage" to speak out against injustice."

What can I say instead of "found the courage"?

You can use alternatives like "summoned the bravery", "mustered the strength", or "discovered the resolve" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "find the courage" or should I always use "found the courage"?

"Find the courage" is used when referring to a present or future action, while ""found the courage"" refers to something that has already happened. For example, "I hope he will find the courage to tell the truth."

What's the difference between "found the courage" and "took the initiative"?

"Found the courage" emphasizes overcoming fear, while "took the initiative" focuses on being proactive and starting something new, even if it's difficult.