it would embolden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would embolden" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential effects of an action or situation that may increase someone's confidence or courage. Example: "If we allow this behavior to continue, it would embolden others to act similarly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

When Mr. Kerry appeared before Congress earlier this month, he argued that if the United States did not carry out a military strike to punish the Syrian government for the Aug. 21 chemical weapons attack near Damascus, it would embolden Iran to proceed with its nuclear program.

The New York Times

It would embolden a regime that has brutalized its own people, and it would embolden Iran's proxies, who have carried out terrorist attacks from the Levant to southwest Asia".

The New Yorker

It would embolden separatists in Spain, Belgium and elsewhere.

The Economist

It would embolden al-Qaeda; but might also extinguish a fire that has drawn new jihadists to the cause.

The Economist

It would embolden the English Defence League and fuel the flames of terrorism on the other hand".

The Guardian

Human rights groups had urged the administration to scrap the aid plan, arguing that it would embolden the Colombian military to step up rights abuses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

America and its allies wanted to keep it from being so much as mentioned mainly out of fear that any reference to it whatsoever would embolden governments to censor the internet and meddle with its infrastructure.

The Economist

It also would "embolden Hezbollah and Hamas to redouble their efforts to acquire chemical weapons, and they might succeed," he says.

The Guardian

Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Arab regimes also halted their assistance and worked to isolate Hamas, fearing that its ascendance would embolden the Muslim Brotherhood.

The New Yorker

Should it succeed, the accomplishment would embolden those who champion even more spending on top of the $57.8 billion appropriated by Congress for missile defenses since the Bush administration's first budget in the 2002 fiscal year.

The New York Times

Others worry Iran's new international standing would embolden it.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would embolden" when you want to emphasize that a specific action or decision could increase someone's confidence or willingness to take risks, often with negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "it would embolden" when describing actions that are inherently positive. The phrase often carries a connotation of increased risk-taking or negative consequences, so using it in purely beneficial situations can sound awkward. For instance, instead of saying "the new training program would embolden employees", consider alternatives like "motivate" or "empower".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would embolden" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a potential or conditional outcome. It suggests that a particular action or situation could lead to an increase in someone's confidence or willingness to take risks. Ludwig AI supports this by providing real-world examples primarily from news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would embolden" is a grammatically correct and usable modal verb phrase, though relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI provides evidence that it’s mostly found within news and media contexts, serving to forecast or caution against potential consequences arising from particular actions. While the phrase is neutral, it should be used cautiously in overly positive contexts to avoid awkwardness. Alternatives like "it would encourage" or "it would motivate" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing but remember the potential negative association with the word "embolden".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would encourage

Replaces "embolden" with a more general term for giving someone confidence or support.

it would incentivize

Focuses on providing a specific reason or reward to motivate action.

it would motivate

Highlights the act of providing someone with a reason to act.

it would empower

Suggests providing someone with the authority or power to act.

it would foster

Implies creating an environment that helps something to grow or develop.

it would stimulate

Emphasizes triggering or provoking a certain behavior.

it would facilitate

Highlights making an action or process easier.

it would promote

Indicates actively supporting or encouraging the progress of something.

it would strengthen

Suggests making something more robust or resilient.

it would nurture

Implies caring for and protecting something to help it grow.

FAQs

What does "it would embolden" mean?

The phrase "it would embolden" means that something would give someone the courage or confidence to do something, often something risky or audacious. It implies that the action in question would make someone more willing to take a bold step.

How can I use "it would embolden" in a sentence?

You can use "it would embolden" to describe the potential impact of an action or event. For example, "If the government reduces regulations, "it would embolden" entrepreneurs to start new businesses".

What are some alternatives to "it would embolden"?

Alternatives to "it would embolden" include "it would encourage", "it would motivate", or "it would empower", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it would embolden" a formal or informal phrase?

"It would embolden" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in news articles and analytical writing. You can use it in professional settings, but be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with the word "embolden".