it took audacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it took audacity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone demonstrated boldness or courage in their actions or decisions. Example: "To challenge the established norms in such a conservative environment, it took audacity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It took audacity to take comfort food to trendy TriBeCa 12 years ago, as Lisa Hall, left above, and Ann Nickinson, right, did when they opened the gingham-trimmed Kitchenette, with its meat loaf, corn bread and old-fashioned layer cakes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It takes audacity to adapt James Joyce's "Ulysses" for the stage.

The New York Times

It takes audacity for a young American to claim such a weighty text, but Ms. Correia succeeded, using the song to help define her own talent.

The New York Times - Arts

In this case, however, humility may hide behind the mask of hubris: it takes audacity to wrap the gilded name of Gatsby around your own shoulders and hope to wear it with grace.

The New York Times - Books

It takes audacity and courage to call it what it is.

Huffington Post

Undoubtedly, every society's unique expectations sometimes force us to conform to some certain standard; however, it takes great resolve to choose to acknowledge a weakness and harness it to become a strength - it takes audacity to see flaws and accept their existence.

Huffington Post

Julian Alonzo, formerly the executive chef at Cafe Centro, obviously took one look at the playing field and decided that it would take audacity to win the day.

The New York Times - Food

It took particular audacity for President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to order Parliament to delay this weekend's opening session while an unconstitutional court he appointed re-investigates charges of fraud in last fall's parliamentary vote.

The New York Times

Regardless of the mess Bush and Bernie and the wizards of Wall Street have left us with, it's going to take audacity, the good kind, for us to get out of it.

Huffington Post

Cutting an Hermès Birkin bag in half takes audacity, but if anyone can do it and get away with it, it's Jean Paul Gaultier.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our schoolmarm-like rebuke of China over its assertion of regional hegemony takes audacity to a new level.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it took audacity" to emphasize the boldness or courage required to overcome a significant challenge or defy convention. It's most effective when the action is perceived as unconventional or risky.

Common error

Avoid using "it took audacity" when describing actions that are merely competent or expected. The phrase implies a level of exceptional courage or boldness that isn't applicable to routine tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took audacity" functions as an introductory clause to highlight the necessity of boldness or courage in achieving a specific action. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Food

25%

Books

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it took audacity" effectively highlights the boldness required for an action, often in situations defying convention or presenting significant challenges. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in various written contexts. This phrase serves to emphasize the courage involved and adds a layer of admiration for the individual or entity undertaking the action. While broadly applicable, it's best used when describing actions that genuinely require more than ordinary effort or bravery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it required nerve

Changes the noun to "nerve", emphasizing the courage needed.

it demanded boldness

Replaces "audacity" with "boldness", a direct synonym.

it necessitated courage

Emphasizes the necessity of courage in the action.

it called for daring

Focuses on the daring nature of the action required.

it needed a brave act

Highlights the need for a specific act of bravery.

it involved temerity

Uses "temerity", implying a degree of recklessness or boldness.

it presumed gall

Emphasizes the impudence or effrontery involved.

it was a brazen move

Focuses on the brazen nature of the action, implying a lack of shame.

it showed great daring

Rephrases to focus on the act of showing daring.

it exhibited intrepidity

Uses "intrepidity", highlighting fearlessness.

FAQs

How can I use "it took audacity" in a sentence?

You can use "it took audacity" to describe a situation where someone demonstrated boldness or courage in their actions or decisions. Example: "To challenge the established norms in such a conservative environment, "it took audacity".

What are some alternatives to "it took audacity"?

You can use alternatives like "it required nerve", "it demanded boldness", or "it necessitated courage" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it takes audacity" instead of "it took audacity"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they differ in tense. "It takes audacity" refers to a general or ongoing requirement, while "it took audacity" refers to a specific past event.

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

"It took audacity" often implies that the action was unconventional or perhaps even reckless, while "it showed courage" simply highlights bravery in the face of fear or adversity.