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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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he wouldn't dare

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Now, as an older man, DuBourdieu says that "he wouldn't dare" sleep in one of the city's hostels due to the amount of money they cost when compared to the amount of danger they pose.

News & Media

Vice

He wouldn't dare.

News & Media

The New Yorker

He wouldn't dare to look from behind there.

News & Media

The New Yorker

He wouldn't dare count aloud until he had perfected getting to 10. Puzzles drove him nuts.

Now, Ripert said, he wouldn't dare bring his knives in his carry-on.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I'd be like 'Nelson, let Marquette do some work.' But he wouldn't dare let her do it.

News & Media

The New Yorker
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He said he would not dare miss one.

News & Media

The New York Times

He defends his approach, saying he would not dare raise taxes.

News & Media

The New York Times

She responds that he would not dare, for she would refuse; she produces a paper proving that she has been selling her own possessions to pay their expenses.

He was fascinated, he said, that the client said he would not dare flee because a bondsman held his mother's house as collateral.

News & Media

The New York Times

Early in the Libyan crisis he carelessly said he would "not dare disturb" his friend, Colonel Qaddafi, about the violence in his country.

News & Media

The Economist
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he wouldn't dare" to express a strong belief that someone will not do something, often because it's too risky, audacious, or against their character.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "he wouldn't dare" in formal academic or business writing might come across as slightly informal or colloquial. Choose a more neutral expression for formal contexts.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he wouldn't dare" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong belief or conviction that someone will not perform a specific action. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he wouldn't dare" is a common phrase used to express strong conviction that someone will not do something. Analysis shows its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in news and media. While versatile, it carries a slightly informal tone, so careful usage in formal contexts is advised. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use and acceptability, making it a useful part of one's vocabulary.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he wouldn't dare" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "he would not consider it", "he would not contemplate such an action", or "he would refrain from doing so".

What does it imply when someone says "he wouldn't dare"?

It suggests a strong conviction that the person in question will not do something, often due to potential consequences, lack of courage, or moral considerations. It can also imply a challenge or taunt.

Is "he wouldn't dare" appropriate for professional emails?

While understandable, it might be better to use alternatives like "he would not attempt to", "he would not risk", or "he would never", depending on the specific message you want to convey. Evaluate if a slightly more neutral tone is better to avoid ambiguity.

Can "he wouldn't dare" be used sarcastically?

Yes, it can. Sarcastic usage implies the opposite of the literal meaning – that the person would indeed do something, often something foolish or reckless. The tone of voice usually determines whether the phrase is intended sarcastically.

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Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: