gathered the courage

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'gathered the courage' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means that someone mustered the strength and determination required to do something difficult. For example, "After months of doubts and fears, I finally gathered the courage to start my own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

After two hours, one of the store workers gathered the courage to make for the exit.

The Guardian

Eventually, she gathered the courage to pick up a hand mirror.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As the Saudi rock scene grew, Dina gathered the courage to start her own band.

The New York Times

Finally, I gathered the courage to ask her where she got them.

The New York Times

I never gathered the courage to make this request, but Eric did ask him about the poem in question.

The New Yorker

Once undressed, the guests gathered the courage to perform the evening's chief bit of bravery: entering the dining room.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Yet every now and then someone gathers the courage to tell of it.

The Guardian

If given the chance, Americans will gather the courage to work in new twin towers.

The New York Times

Each time they tried, and failed, to gather the courage to ask girls to dance.

The New York Times

Victims are typically traumatized by an attack and may take days or even months to gather the courage to speak out.

The New York Times

In "Dung Beetle," a museum curator gathers the courage and curiosity to visit his former Oxford roommate, an African prince who has recently assassinated his parents.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathered the courage" to emphasize a deliberate act of overcoming fear or hesitation, especially when a significant emotional or psychological barrier was present.

Common error

Avoid using "gathered the courage" for everyday actions that don't require significant bravery. For simpler actions, use phrases like "decided to" or "chose to."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathered the courage" functions as a verbal phrase describing the action of mustering bravery or overcoming fear to do something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and correct expression. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various scenarios, from personal decisions to acts of defiance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gathered the courage" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of mustering bravery to overcome fear or hesitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile enough for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. The phrase emphasizes the internal struggle one faces before taking a courageous action. While synonyms like "mustered the bravery" or "summoned the nerve" exist, "gathered the courage" is widely accepted and understood. Remember to reserve this expression for situations genuinely requiring bravery, and avoid using it for trivial actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mustered the bravery

Emphasizes bravery as the key element.

summoned the nerve

Highlights overcoming anxiety or hesitation.

found the strength

Focuses more on inner power than overcoming fear.

built up the resolve

Suggests a gradual accumulation of determination.

worked up the boldness

Implies an effort to become more daring.

steeled oneself

Conveys mental preparation for a difficult task.

took heart

A more idiomatic expression for finding courage.

rallied one's spirits

Focuses on boosting morale and confidence.

faced up to

Highlights direct confrontation with a challenge or fear.

bit the bullet

An informal idiom for enduring something unpleasant with courage.

FAQs

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

Use "gathered the courage" to describe an instance where someone overcame fear or anxiety to take action. For example, "She "gathered the courage" to speak out against injustice."

What are some alternatives to "gathered the courage"?

You can use alternatives like "mustered the bravery", "summoned the nerve", or "found the strength" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gathered the courage" in formal writing?

Yes, "gathered the courage" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant acts of bravery or determination. However, consider the context and whether a more formal synonym like "demonstrated the courage" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "gathered the courage" and "gained confidence"?

"Gathered the courage" implies overcoming an existing fear or anxiety, while "gained confidence" suggests an increase in self-assurance over time. They are not interchangeable in all contexts.