he has audacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has audacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has the boldness or courage to take risks or act in a way that is considered daring or unconventional. Example: "Despite the criticism, he has audacity to challenge the status quo and propose innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But somehow Terry has forged an existence where he has resources — maybe not to his liking, but more than other people seem to have — and he has audacity and confidence and an uncompromising nature.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr Spitzer has audacity to spare.

The Economist

Aware of the title of Obama's best-selling book, Parent continued: "He has the audacity of hope".

The New York Times

Then he has the audacity to suggest that he's the only one who can protect us.

The New York Times

How he has the audacity to say that Amstrad or Alan Sugar has flourished in recession is a complete mystery to me.

The Guardian

"He has the audacity to tell me, as a direct descendant of African-Caribbeans, that I should go elsewhere," Rose said.

The Guardian

Mr. Striesow, who looks a little like the David McCallum of "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," is not quite beautiful, but you still believe he has the audacity of a free spirit who follows through on his impulses.

The New York Times

Mark Kitchens, a policy adviser to Mr. Kerry, said of Mr. Cheney in a statement, "He has the audacity to question whether a decorated combat veteran who has bled on the battlefield is tough and aggressive enough to keep America safe".

The New York Times

William Dockery, the president of the Heisman Trophy Trust, which retrieved the famous statue before the trustee was hired, said: "I don't know how he has the audacity to demand a fee so people can go down and get their own property.

The New York Times - Sports

And he realizes his essentially political vision with warm yet salty humor (as with an old roué's unfortunate dinner-time game of footsie) and a trenchant visual daring (he has the audacity to realize a silent musical scene and a silent staging of "Hamlet").

The New Yorker

None of the current GOP candidates is even remotely suitable: Tim Pawlenty is finished because he has the audacity to believe in global warming; Mike Huckabee is nothing more than a "Fox News guitar player"; and Newt Gingrich is a "soiled character", who is "contemptuous as a tick" and who makes Savage's "fresh crawl".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he has audacity" to describe someone who takes bold actions, especially when those actions might be seen as unconventional or risky. Ensure the context supports the connotation of boldness rather than recklessness.

Common error

Avoid using "he has audacity" in situations where the person's actions are clearly irresponsible or harmful. Audacity implies a degree of calculated risk, not simply foolish behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has audacity" functions as a statement, attributing the quality of boldness or daring to a male subject. It's a declarative statement, as supported by Ludwig, indicating a characteristic or trait. It asserts that the person possesses the quality of audacity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he has audacity" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe someone possessing boldness and a willingness to take risks. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appropriate, particularly in news and media contexts. While synonymous with expressions like "he is bold" or "he has nerve", "he has audacity" carries a nuance of calculated risk-taking. It's important to avoid misinterpreting audacity as mere recklessness; rather, it signifies a courageous approach, often challenging conventions. When using the phrase, ensure the context aligns with this positive connotation of boldness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is audacious

Similar to "audacity" but used as an adjective.

he is bold

Focuses on the quality of boldness, omitting the risk-taking aspect.

he is daring

Emphasizes a willingness to take risks and be unconventional.

he has nerve

Highlights courage and brazenness, often in challenging situations.

he is intrepid

Indicates fearlessness and resoluteness in the face of danger.

he is courageous

Stresses bravery and willingness to confront fear or adversity.

he is venturesome

Suggests a readiness to embark on new and potentially risky endeavors.

he is fearless

Focuses on the absence of fear, indicating a willingness to take risks.

he is plucky

Highlights courage and determination, especially in difficult circumstances.

he is spirited

Emphasizes enthusiasm and determination, which can lead to bold actions.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he has audacity"?

Saying "he has audacity" means that someone is bold, daring, and willing to take risks, often in a way that others might find surprising or unconventional.

What are some alternative ways to say "he has audacity"?

You can use alternatives such as "he is bold", "he is daring", or "he has nerve" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always a positive thing to say "he has audacity"?

Not necessarily. While audacity often implies courage and innovation, it can also suggest recklessness or inappropriate behavior, depending on the context.

How do I use "he has audacity" in a sentence?

You can say, "Despite the criticism, "he has audacity" to challenge the status quo and propose innovative solutions", demonstrating his boldness in the face of opposition.