getting bolder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting bolder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is becoming more confident or daring over time. Example: "As the project progressed, the team found themselves getting bolder in their creative decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Indeed, in small towns nationwide, hair is getting bolder.

The New York Times

Over time, the proposals have been getting bolder.

The Economist

Now those areas don't want them anymore.So grizzlies and black bears are getting bolder, and raiding the cities.

The Economist

The brazen overbilling suggests that many of them had been at it for years, getting bolder as time went on.

The New York Times

Many fear that this usually inward-looking organisation is getting bolder and adopting the methods and aims of global terrorists.

The Economist

So before we had any idea what was allowed, we tested it out: very carefully at first, gradually getting bolder".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

They are getting bold action.

The New York Times

"I was getting bold enough to go where I wanted, messing around on the streets and stuff.

Independent

We told him we liked the video, but mentioned that all the couples they showed were heterosexual; we were getting bold.

Huffington Post

But eventually they have to get bolder.

The Economist

Few get bolder, or braver, than Donatella Versace.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using "getting bolder". It can imply positive growth, such as a person overcoming shyness, or negative escalation, such as a criminal becoming more daring.

Common error

Avoid using "getting bolder" when a more neutral term like "becoming more experienced" is more appropriate. The phrase often suggests an increase in risk-taking, which may not always be the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting bolder" functions as a progressive verb phrase, indicating a continuous action or process of becoming more bold or audacious. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It's used to describe a change in state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Huffington Post

9%

The New York Times

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting bolder" describes a process of becoming more confident or audacious over time, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral, its connotations can shift based on context, sometimes implying positive growth and other times, negative escalation. When writing, it is important to consider the implications of "getting bolder" to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Remember to use more neutral options when a risk-taking tone is not desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming more daring

Emphasizes increasing risk-taking and courage.

growing more audacious

Highlights increasing boldness and willingness to challenge norms.

gaining confidence

Focuses on the increasing self-assurance and belief in one's abilities.

increasing in intensity

Highlights that something becomes stronger and more pronounced.

developing more courage

Indicates an increase in bravery and willingness to face fear.

becoming more assertive

Emphasizes increasing directness and forcefulness in expressing oneself.

turning more brazen

Highlights a shift toward shamelessness and defiance.

gaining momentum

Focuses on building up speed and force.

escalating in aggression

Emphasizes increasing hostility and belligerence.

increasing in audacity

Emphasizes the increase of the willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

FAQs

How can I use "getting bolder" in a sentence?

You can use "getting bolder" to describe a gradual increase in confidence or audacity. For example, "As the artist matured, their work started "getting bolder" and more experimental."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "getting bolder"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "becoming more daring", "gaining confidence", or "growing more audacious", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "becoming bolder" instead of "getting bolder"?

Yes, "becoming bolder" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to "getting bolder". The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "getting bolder" and "being bold"?

"Being bold" describes a current state of courage or audacity, while ""getting bolder"" implies a process of gradually increasing in boldness over time.