full of nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of nerve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is bold, courageous, or audacious in their actions or demeanor. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, she approached the situation full of nerve, ready to take on whatever came her way."

✓ Grammatically correct

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The New York Times - Magazine

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But our feetsies are full of nerve endings just screaming for human contact.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Until what?" I glared at her, but she was so full of nerve and hope that my irritation gave way to tenderness.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our lips are full of nerve endings that are stimulated when you kiss someone, so you get a release of feel-good chemicals in the brain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The brain is full of nerve bundles, called white matter, which help transmit electrical messages between clumps of gray matter, the tissue that holds neurons.

The New Yorker

The Internet's Ego Death is splendidly weirder; Lianne La Havas's Blood is full of nerve; Kehlani's You Should Be Here has youthful élan; and Miguel's Wildheart wears its protagonist's insecurities and deep-seated emotions on its sleeve.

The Guardian - Music

All the guerillas died, as did 129 hostages, when commandos stormed the building after pumping it full of nerve gas of a type that to this day has not been made public.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Earlier this week Nile Wilson admitted that the British men's team are "adrenalin junkies" – apparently one of their favourite group activities is to watch horror movies – and this final was full of nerve-shredding moments that might haunt them for some time.

The Guardian - Sport

"I feel a little bit full of nerves," Mr. Avila, 43, said in Spanish.

The New York Times

"I ran around like a headless chicken, full of nerves, for two weeks.

The Guardian

Nell, Dan and Charlie are first-year drama students, arriving full of nerves at an exclusive London college to begin their induction into the mysteries of Stanislavsky.

The Guardian - Books

There were various other friends and family members there but, full of nerves and inexperience, I just ploughed on: "Are you sure you don't want your husband here?" This served as the warning shot she needed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of nerve" to describe someone who is not easily intimidated and is willing to take risks. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a character's boldness in the face of adversity.

Common error

While acceptable, "full of nerve" might sound too informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal synonyms like "audacious" or "bold" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of nerve" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to describe a noun (usually a person) exhibiting boldness, audacity, or courage. Ludwig examples show its use in describing individuals taking bold actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "full of nerve" is an adjective phrase used to describe someone who displays boldness, audacity, or courage. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While the phrase is not overly formal, it's versatile enough for use in news articles and informal contexts. More formal options include "courageous" or "audacious". As Ludwig examples show, it is often used to admire someone's willingness to confront difficult situations. While acceptable, try not to overuse this phrase in professional or academic contexts, consider to diversify your writing with other alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

audacious

This suggests a willingness to take bold risks.

bold

This term describes someone who is daring and not afraid.

daring

Focuses on the willingness to take risks.

fearless

Highlights the absence of fear.

courageous

This is a single-word adjective that directly describes possessing courage.

brave

This is a common and straightforward term for showing courage.

gutsy

An informal term for having courage and determination.

intrepid

Implies fearlessness and adventurousness.

plucky

Conveys a sense of determination and bravery, especially in difficult situations.

spirited

Suggests liveliness and boldness.

FAQs

What does "full of nerve" mean?

The expression "full of nerve" describes someone who is bold, audacious, or courageous, often in a way that might be seen as slightly impudent or disrespectful.

How can I use "full of nerve" in a sentence?

You can use "full of nerve" to describe someone's behavior or attitude, such as, "Despite the risks, she was "full of nerve" and went ahead with the plan."

What are some alternatives to saying "full of nerve"?

Alternatives to "full of nerve" include "courageous", "audacious", or "bold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "full of nerve", or is there a better way to express this?

Saying someone is "full of nerve" is perfectly correct and understandable. However, you might choose a different phrase like "plenty of nerve" or "brimming with audacity" if you want a slightly different tone or level of formality.