it takes courage

USAGE SUMMARY

"it takes courage" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to express that an action or decision requires bravery or strength of character. Example: "Standing up to bullies is not easy, but it takes courage to defend someone who is being mistreated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It takes courage to live".

The New Yorker

It takes courage to play it.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, it takes courage to share stories.

The New York Times

It takes courage to ask for help.

The New York Times

It takes courage and hard work.

Harvard Business Review

and that it takes courage to blunder.

The New Yorker

It takes courage to stop the dance.

The New Yorker

It takes courage to do anything.

The Guardian - Film

It takes courage to do this.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it takes courage to ask for help.

The New York Times

It took courage, action and, sadly, lives to stop him.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider specifying what kind of courage is needed – physical, emotional, moral, etc. This adds nuance and specificity to your writing.

Common error

While "it takes courage" is a powerful phrase, avoid using it in situations where a simpler, more direct expression would be more appropriate. Overuse can dilute its impact. For instance, instead of saying "it takes courage to send an email", consider "sending an email" or "it requires determination to send this email".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes courage" functions as an assertion of the necessity of bravery in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms this is a commonly used phrase that underscores the challenging nature of certain actions, as shown in the examples where it's used to describe standing up at work or facing the open sea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it takes courage" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression in contemporary English, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize the bravery, strength, or fortitude needed in specific situations. The analysis reveals that this phrase is predominantly found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "it requires bravery" or "it demands fortitude" offer nuanced variations, the core meaning remains consistent. When employing this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the type of courage involved and avoid overuse in contexts where simpler language would suffice. Given its frequent use across authoritative sources, it is considered a versatile and reliable expression in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires bravery

Focuses specifically on the aspect of bravery as a necessity.

it demands fortitude

Emphasizes the strength and resilience needed to overcome obstacles.

it calls for valor

Highlights the need for exceptional courage, especially in the face of danger.

it necessitates boldness

Stresses the importance of being daring and unafraid to take risks.

it involves daring

Emphasizes the element of risk-taking inherent in the situation.

it needs nerve

Suggests a need for composure and resilience in a stressful situation.

it takes guts

Uses a more informal expression to convey the need for bravery.

it tests resolve

Highlights how the situation challenges one's determination.

it requires a strong heart

Focuses on the emotional strength and resilience needed.

it demands fearlessness

Stresses the absence of fear as a prerequisite.

FAQs

How can I use "it takes courage" in a sentence?

You can use "it takes courage" to emphasize that a specific action or decision requires bravery or fortitude. For example, "It takes courage to speak up against injustice".

What are some alternatives to "it takes courage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it requires bravery", "it demands fortitude", or "it necessitates boldness".

Is it grammatically correct to say "it takes courage"?

Yes, "it takes courage" is grammatically correct. The sentence follows standard English syntax, with "it" as the subject, "takes" as the verb, and "courage" as the object.

What's the difference between "it takes courage" and "it took courage"?

"It takes courage" refers to a general or ongoing need for bravery, while "it took courage" refers to a specific instance in the past where bravery was required.