found the nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

"found the nerve" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone gathering courage or confidence to do something challenging. Example: She finally found the nerve to speak in front of the crowd. Alternative expressions include "gathered the courage" and "summoned the bravery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I don't know where I found the nerve to proceed, but I did.

The Guardian - Arts

But she'd found the nerve and now it was up to me to put my head on the chopping block.

The New Yorker

She was out of bed as he lay gasping, and gone before he found the nerve to speak.

The New Yorker

My heart sank when I found the nerve to ask whether or not she had a boyfriend.

The Guardian

Finally, another man wanted to know where the author had found the nerve to steal his daughter's name.

The Guardian - Books

He was quite shy in those days but finally found the nerve to ask her out when they were home after their first semester in college.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And, bolstered by the experience, you may find the nerve to sample other, more ethnic cuisine.

The New York Times

Only when the final bell sounded did she find the nerve to take the plunge.

The Economist

Hilliard recalled how he was on the operating table as a doctor with a foot-long needle tried three times to find the nerve and deaden his arm.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe he already knew what I was trying to find the nerve to tell him — that I had decided to move back to New York.

The New Yorker

Gursky "tried to find the nerve points in each work," Wegwerth says, "And he helped me connect these points to get to a bigger picture".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "found the nerve" to describe a specific instance where someone overcomes hesitation or fear to take action. This phrase works best when highlighting a transition from reluctance to bravery.

Common error

Avoid using "found the nerve" to describe someone who is generally courageous. This phrase is best suited for moments when someone specifically overcomes a hurdle of fear or apprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found the nerve" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of overcoming fear or hesitation to do something. Ludwig shows examples in contexts where individuals gather the courage to speak, act, or confront a challenge. The phrase often precedes the specific action taken.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Social Media

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "found the nerve" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that depicts someone overcoming their hesitation or fear. Ludwig's analysis, supported by a variety of reliable sources, shows that it is most frequently used in News & Media. While the phrase enjoys consistent usage, it's important to reserve it for situations where a specific act of overcoming fear is highlighted, rather than describing a generally courageous disposition. The AI analysis confirms the phrase's validity and offers helpful writing tips for its effective use. Alternative phrases like "summoned the courage" and "mustered the boldness" can provide similar meaning in varying contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summoned the courage

This alternative emphasizes the act of calling upon one's inner strength to overcome fear.

mustered the boldness

This alternative highlights the gathering of boldness, suggesting a deliberate act of preparing oneself.

gathered the strength

This option focuses on acquiring the necessary power or resolve to face a challenge.

took a leap of faith

This phrase describes acting on belief, even when the outcome is uncertain.

plucked up the courage

This alternative has a slightly more whimsical tone, suggesting a careful and delicate retrieval of courage.

dared to proceed

Highlights the willingness to take risks, even when the conditions aren't ideal.

gained the confidence

Focuses on the acquisition of self-assurance necessary to act.

acquired the grit

Suggests that one has obtained the tough and persistent attitude to face a challenge.

embraced the challenge

Expresses that one has willingly accepted a difficult task, showing willingness to confront it.

steeled oneself

This idiom means mentally preparing oneself for something unpleasant or difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "found the nerve" to describe a situation where someone overcomes their fear or hesitation to do something. For example, "She finally "found the nerve" to speak in public."

What's a more formal way to say "found the nerve"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "summoned the courage", "mustered the boldness", or "gathered the strength" instead of ""found the nerve"".

Is it always appropriate to use "found the nerve"?

While generally appropriate, ""found the nerve"" is better suited for scenarios involving a specific act of overcoming fear, rather than describing continuous bravery or courage.

What's the difference between "found the nerve" and "took a leap of faith"?

"Found the nerve" implies overcoming fear or hesitation, while "took a leap of faith" implies acting on belief without concrete evidence. Although similar, the latter emphasizes trust and uncertainty.