it took confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it took confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone needed to have self-assurance or bravery to accomplish something. Example: "To stand up and speak in front of the large audience, it took confidence to overcome her nerves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It took confidence under pressure and absolute faith in their methods for Liverpool to stage an emphatic recovery.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. De Luca said it took confidence for a youngster to work for the pro-choice agency.

The New York Times

It took confidence for Brink Lindsey, of the libertarian Cato Institute in Washington, to venture onto this well-plowed ground with "The Age of Abundance: How Prosperity Transformed America's Politics and Culture".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

On Thursday, Wendy Sherman, the US under-secretary of state for political affairs, said Iran could expect some limited relief from sanctions if it took confidence-building steps to allay concerns about its nuclear ambitions.

The Guardian

It takes confidence to just wash and go.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It takes confidence to reach public agencies and find the right service.

The New York Times

"It takes confidence to pull off the look," Professor Weitz said.

The New York Times

It takes confidence to strip this much back from your sketch show.

The Guardian

He's been working harder, and it shows: it takes confidence and skill to rap this straightforwardly.

The New York Times - Arts

It takes confidence for savers to put their money in the bank, on the assumption the bank will be around to return it to them.

The Economist

And yet it takes confidence to propose all this for the opening of the first concert hall built specifically for jazz.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it took confidence" to emphasize that a particular action or achievement required overcoming internal doubts or external pressures. For instance, "It took confidence to present such a radical idea to the board of directors".

Common error

Avoid using "it took confidence" when the action is inherently risky or dangerous. A statement like, "It took confidence to jump out of the airplane without a parachute" is redundant because jumping without a parachute already implies extreme risk and bravery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took confidence" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage to explain that a specific action or decision required a degree of self-assurance. As noted by Ludwig AI, it highlights situations needing bravery.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it took confidence" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that underscores the necessity of self-assurance or bravery for accomplishing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Though infrequent, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "it required self-assurance" and "it demanded courage". When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the situation genuinely demanded inner strength, avoiding redundancy. The analyzed sources confirm that it is suitable for situations in which there was a chance of failure, high personal risk or a big potential gain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it required self-assurance

Focuses on the need for self-assurance rather than just confidence.

it demanded courage

Highlights the aspect of bravery and willingness to face fear.

it necessitated boldness

Emphasizes the need for a daring or audacious approach.

it called for nerve

Focuses on the need for composure and fortitude in a difficult situation.

it needed bravery

Directly states the requirement for brave action.

it involved daring

Highlights the element of risk and adventure.

it presupposed fearlessness

Suggests an underlying lack of fear was necessary.

it presumed audacity

Focuses on the assumption of bold and unconventional behavior.

it counted on poise

Underlines the importance of composure.

it relied on grit

Emphasizes the necessity of determination and resilience.

FAQs

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

Use "it took confidence" to highlight that an action demanded overcoming personal hesitation or societal expectations. For example, "It took confidence to challenge the established norms".

What are some alternatives to "it took confidence"?

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

Is it better to say "it took confidence" or "it takes confidence"?

The choice depends on the context. "It took confidence" refers to a past event, while "it takes confidence" refers to a general requirement or a present/future situation. For example, "It took confidence to speak up at the meeting yesterday", versus "It takes confidence to be a successful entrepreneur".

What does "it took confidence" imply about the person or situation?

It implies that the person had to overcome some internal or external barrier, requiring them to act despite fear, uncertainty, or potential negative consequences. It suggests a level of self-belief and determination.