how dare they

USAGE SUMMARY

"how dare they" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to express surprise, anger, or disbelief at someone's actions. Example: "How dare they accuse me of stealing when I have been nothing but honest with them!" In this example, the speaker is expressing anger and disbelief at being wrongfully accused of theft.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"How dare they not?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How dare they do that.

The New York Times

"How dare they tear the buildings down!

The New York Times

I thought, "How dare they?

The Guardian

The blogger continued with: "How dare they!

The New York Times

"How dare they!" faces off against "Oh, lighten up".

The New York Times

How dare they, this man and his penis?

The Guardian - Opinion

Parents' initial response had been "How dare they?

The Guardian

"How dare they think that would just thrill me to pieces?" she said.

The New York Times

How dare they, the pesky people, thinking they know what's best for themselves.

The Economist

How dare they side with a rude customer against their perfectly reasonable employee?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and situation. While effective for conveying strong emotions, "how dare they" may be too informal or aggressive for certain professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "how dare they" in formal writing or professional communication where a more nuanced and respectful tone is required. Opt for phrases that express disapproval without being overly confrontational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how dare they" functions as an interjection, expressing strong disapproval, indignation, or outrage. It is used to directly challenge the perceived audacity or impropriety of someone's actions. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how dare they" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interjection that serves to express strong feelings of outrage, indignation, or disbelief. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for conveying intense negative emotions. It appears most commonly in News & Media, as shown by Ludwig's examples, highlighting its widespread use in reporting and commentary. When using the phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure the tone aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How could they?

This alternative simplifies the expression of disbelief or outrage.

What were they thinking?

Focuses on questioning the rationale behind the actions.

I can't believe they did that.

Expresses disbelief and disapproval of a past action.

It's outrageous that they...

Highlights the offensive nature of their actions.

I'm appalled by their behavior.

Emphasizes a feeling of shock and disgust.

They have some nerve.

Focuses on the audacity or impudence of the subject's actions.

Who do they think they are?

Questions the subject's authority or right to act in a certain way.

That's simply unacceptable.

Conveys strong disapproval and a refusal to tolerate the behavior.

I am beyond words at their actions.

Expresses extreme shock and inability to articulate disapproval.

This is simply not on.

Emphasizes the inappropriateness of their actions

FAQs

How can I use "how dare they" in a sentence?

Use "how dare they" to express outrage or indignation at someone's actions. For example, "How dare they accuse me of lying when they are the ones being dishonest?"

What are some alternatives to "how dare they"?

You can use alternatives like "how could they", "what were they thinking", or "I can't believe they did that" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "how dare they"?

It is appropriate to use "how dare they" when you want to strongly express your anger, shock, or disapproval of someone's actions, particularly when you feel their actions are disrespectful, unjust, or outrageous. However, avoid using it in formal or professional setting as it can be perceived as impolite.

Is "how dare they" grammatically correct?

Yes, "how dare they" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express strong feelings of indignation or disbelief. It's commonly used in both spoken and written English.