had the audacity

USAGE SUMMARY

"had the audacity" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who has the boldness or nerve to do something considered disrespectful or inappropriate. Example: She had the audacity to challenge the manager's decision in front of everyone. Alternative expressions include "had the nerve" and "had the gall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they had the audacity to doubt my veracity!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But not until this week has someone had the audacity to recreate Homer Simpson's ultimate car.

The New York Times

We had the audacity to live in a meaningful time and have fun doing it.

The New York Times

Some like Mr. Jackson, who had the audacity to confront egg-throwers, have been murdered.

The New York Times

If anyone had the audacity to argue he could say: "I won't take lectures off you.

Independent

He had the audacity to tour said album and beard around the US.

Independent

My father had the audacity to stare at me like I wasn't making sense.

The New Yorker

A wrinkly old man recently had the audacity to flirt with me.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Until six weeks ago they had the audacity to tell us the house was structurally sound.

The Guardian

We both, along with others, had the audacity to confront it in our own ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

Homer had the audacity and genius to defy two of the greatest mathematicians in history.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had the audacity" when you want to express surprise or disapproval at someone's bold or impudent behavior. It's effective in highlighting the unexpected nature of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "had the audacity" in situations where the action is simply bold or innovative without being disrespectful or inappropriate. The phrase carries a negative connotation, so ensure the context warrants disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had the audacity" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express disapproval, surprise, or indignation at someone's bold or presumptuous action. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had the audacity" is a versatile phrase used to express disapproval or surprise at someone's bold, disrespectful, or unexpected behavior. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news and media. While it can be used in various contexts, it's important to ensure the situation warrants the negative connotation the phrase carries. Alternatives such as "had the nerve" or "dared to" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in intensity or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had the nerve

Replaces "audacity" with "nerve", suggesting impudence or disrespect.

had the gall

Similar to "had the audacity" but implies a higher degree of impudence or effrontery.

dared to

Emphasizes the risk or boldness involved in the action.

had the cheek

Primarily British English, implying impudence or lack of respect.

presumed to

Highlights the arrogance or forwardness of the action.

took the liberty

Indicates a presumption or overstepping of boundaries.

was so bold as to

A more formal way of expressing audacity or impudence.

went so far as to

Highlights the extreme or unexpected nature of the action.

ventured to

Suggests a cautious but bold undertaking, often implying risk.

took it upon oneself

Emphasizes the self-initiated nature of the bold action.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "had the audacity"?

Saying someone "had the audacity" means they did something that was considered bold, disrespectful, or impudent, often implying surprise or disapproval.

How can I use "had the audacity" in a sentence?

You can use "had the audacity" to describe someone's action you find surprisingly bold or inappropriate. For example, "He "had the audacity" to interrupt the CEO during the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "had the audacity"?

Some alternatives to "had the audacity" include "had the nerve", "dared to", or "had the gall", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "had the audacity" formal or informal?

"Had the audacity" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It can be used in both written and spoken contexts, but it's important to consider the audience and the overall tone of your communication.