heroic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heroic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, qualities, or characteristics that are brave, noble, or self-sacrificing, often in the context of a person or their deeds. Example: "The firefighter's heroic efforts saved several lives during the blaze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Through her heroic struggle she has become a leading spokesperson for girls' rights to education".

The Guardian

For a European island outpost with a population of just 330,000, it was a fairly heroic achievement from which they hope to progress by qualifying for Euro 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

She won for what the Nobel committee called her "heroic struggle" for girls' right to an education.

The Guardian

"If Santa isn't real, then neither is the Easter Bunny," I gasped, while my parents tried to stop my heroic whistleblowing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He sort of had hero written all over his forehead, so I assumed he would be a central heroic character for all of it or most of it, so I didn't expect the grisly end so early".

The Guardian

Paul Chamberlain is articulate, impossibly cheerful in the face of adversity and heroic – a Briton of the sort you might have thought would be seen no more after Lawrence Oates strode into the Antarctic snowstorm in an effort to save Scott and his other companions.

The Guardian

Contact sport is heroic, character forming and British, for goodness sake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And there were pleasing oddities that suggested a venturesome actor not content to do as his agents told him, like Richard Kelly's extraordinary heroic failure of an epic, Southland Tales.

The Guardian - Film

"So when Sisi stepped forward and did what he did, it was seen as a heroic act, taking a last-step measure to save the country from an ailing economy and a religious autocracy".

The Guardian

Burnham's mid-life crisis is played as a suburban rejig of The Odyssey; a heroic mythic journey set down amid the strip-malls and side-streets of middle-class USA.

The Guardian - Film

So much here prefigures the tropes found in modern winter literature: family and friends gather for warmth and jollity, feasting is the order of the day, good cheer is lubricated by heroic quantities of booze … and then the stranger arrives.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heroic" to describe actions or qualities that demonstrate exceptional bravery, nobility, or self-sacrifice. Ensure the context aligns with these strong connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "heroic" to describe everyday actions that do not involve significant risk or self-sacrifice. Overuse can dilute the word's impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "heroic" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their qualities or actions as exceptionally brave or noble. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing struggles and achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "heroic" is an adjective used to describe acts or qualities of exceptional bravery and nobility. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and it is a commonly used term, primarily in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "courageous" and "valiant" exist, "heroic" carries a strong connotation of self-sacrifice and extraordinary achievement. Remember to reserve "heroic" for situations that truly warrant such a powerful descriptor to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courageous

Emphasizes bravery and valor in the face of danger.

valiant

Highlights bravery and determination, often in a formal context.

brave

A general term for facing danger or fear with boldness.

noble

Focuses on moral excellence and high character.

daring

Emphasizes boldness and a willingness to take risks.

intrepid

Highlights fearlessness and resoluteness.

gallant

Stresses courteous and chivalrous bravery.

audacious

Emphasizes boldness and a willingness to challenge conventions.

fearless

Focuses on the absence of fear in the face of danger.

lionhearted

A more figurative term for extraordinary courage.

FAQs

How can I use "heroic" in a sentence?

You can use "heroic" to describe actions or qualities demonstrating bravery and self-sacrifice. For example, "The firefighter's "heroic" efforts saved many lives".

What are some alternatives to the word "heroic"?

Alternatives include "courageous", "valiant", and "noble", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe everyday acts as "heroic"?

While "heroic" is a powerful descriptor, it's generally reserved for actions that involve significant risk or self-sacrifice. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Consider using alternatives for less extraordinary acts.

What distinguishes "heroic" from "brave"?

"Brave" is a general term for facing danger or fear, while "heroic" implies a higher level of courage, often involving self-sacrifice and a noble purpose. The term "heroic" suggests an action that is not only brave but also exemplary and inspiring.