it took guts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it took guts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone showed courage or bravery in a challenging situation. Example: "Deciding to speak out against the injustice took guts, and I admire her for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Donald J. Trump, then the Republican presidential nominee, says that "it took guts" for Mr. Comey to make the email announcement.

The New York Times

Still, "it took guts" for the teachers to stand up to the school officials, Dr. Scott said, even though there is no credible scientific challenge to the theory of evolution.

The New York Times - Science

It took guts.

The New York Times

(It took guts to sit for Dix).

The New Yorker

It was a point-changing shot, and it took guts to pull the trigger.

The New York Times

It took guts, because The Times's lawyers were urging them not to publish.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Sure, it takes guts.

The Guardian

"It takes guts to do that".

The New York Times

It takes guts and shows real backbone.

The Guardian

It takes guts to see it through.

The Washington Post

"It takes guts to file a case like this one".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it took guts" to acknowledge a difficult or risky decision someone made, particularly when facing potential negative consequences or opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "it took guts" for everyday actions that don't genuinely require courage. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took guts" functions as a comment or observation on an action, highlighting the courage or bravery required to perform it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show its application in various contexts, from political decisions to personal choices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

The New Yorker

3%

The Guardian

3%

Less common in

BBC

1%

Huffington Post

1%

Los Angeles Times

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it took guts" is a common and readily understood expression used to acknowledge and admire courageous actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where genuine bravery is demonstrated, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives like "it required courage" or "it was a bold move" can provide a more formal tone when needed. Its frequent appearance in news and media indicates broad acceptance and understanding, marking it as a valuable phrase for expressing admiration and respect for bold actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it required courage

Replaces "guts" with a more formal synonym, "courage".

it took nerve

Uses "nerve" as a synonym for courage or boldness.

it was a courageous decision

Specifically refers to a decision made with courage.

it was a bold move

Focuses on the audacious nature of the action.

it demonstrated bravery

Highlights the bravery displayed by the action.

it showed great daring

Emphasizes the risk-taking aspect of the action.

it necessitated boldness

Focuses on boldness as a necessity for the action.

it demanded fortitude

Emphasizes the strength and resilience required.

it called for valor

Highlights the valor or heroism involved.

it involved great pluck

Uses the less common word "pluck" to denote courage or spirit.

FAQs

What does "it took guts" mean?

The phrase "it took guts" means that someone showed courage, bravery, or boldness in a situation that was difficult, risky, or challenging.

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

You can use "it took guts" to express admiration or acknowledgment of someone's courageous action. For example, "It took guts to stand up to the bully".

What can I say instead of "it took guts"?

You can use alternatives like "it required courage", "it was a bold move", or "it demonstrated bravery" depending on the context.

Is "it took guts" formal or informal?

"It took guts" is generally considered an informal expression. More formal alternatives might include "it required courage" or "it demanded fortitude".