lots of nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lots of nerve" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has the audacity or boldness to do something that may be considered inappropriate or disrespectful. Example: "She had lots of nerve to ask for a raise after being late to work every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"There are lots of nerve fibres in the annulus," the doctor said.

The New Yorker

Lots of nerve endings, loose tissues, and capillaries filled with blood can make for an unpleasant experience if you hurt yourself.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

DWIGHT ALLEN has a lot of nerve.

The New York Times - Books

Suddenly, Greg Rusedski had a lot of nerve.

The New York Times - Sports

AD Dangerous, and it takes a lot of nerve, ambition.

The Guardian - Books

They have a lot of nerve charging full price.

The New York Times

"You've got a lot of nerve, to say you are my friend…" And so on.

The New Yorker

They started out with a lot of nerve, and the prospect of some turnaround cash.

The New York Times

"They have a lot of nerve to tell us that we're taking places from them".

The New York Times

They seem to always play with a lot of nerve and heart".

The New York Times

Choosing to start a restaurant in Bray took a lot of nerve.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lots of nerve", consider the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the intended level of audacity or boldness. It's often used in situations where someone's actions are seen as surprisingly disrespectful or daring.

Common error

While "lots of nerve" is acceptable in many situations, it might sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "great audacity" or "remarkable impudence" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lots of nerve" primarily functions as a descriptive idiom, characterizing someone's behavior as audacious, bold, or impudent. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to denote a surprising or disrespectful level of daring. Examples show its use in assessing someone's actions or decisions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lots of nerve" is a phrase used to describe someone who exhibits boldness, audacity, or impudence, often in a surprising or disrespectful manner. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While acceptable in many situations, it's essential to consider the formality of the setting and opt for more formal alternatives like "great audacity" in professional or academic writing. The phrase can convey disapproval, surprise, or even admiration, depending on the context and the speaker's perspective. The phrase is more common in news and media than in academia or science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great deal of audacity

Focuses on the boldness and willingness to take risks, similar to "lots of nerve" but slightly more formal.

a considerable amount of cheek

Emphasizes the impudence or disrespect involved in the action, highlighting the gall.

unmitigated gall

Stresses the brazen and unapologetic nature of the nerve, suggesting a complete lack of shame.

extreme audacity

Highlights the exceptional level of boldness, suggesting a daring or reckless nature.

remarkable impudence

Focuses on the disrespect and lack of propriety, implying a disregard for social norms.

boundless effrontery

Emphasizes the shamelessness and lack of embarrassment, indicating a complete disregard for others' feelings.

exceptional chutzpah

Highlights the audacity and self-confidence, often with a positive connotation of cleverness.

pure audacity

Highlights the simple fact that audacity is in its purest form.

real audacity

Highlights the fact that audacity is genuine.

sheer audacity

Emphasizes the magnitude and unadulterated nature of the audacity.

FAQs

What does "lots of nerve" mean?

"Lots of nerve" means having a great deal of audacity, boldness, or impudence, often in a way that is considered surprising or disrespectful.

What can I say instead of "lots of nerve"?

You can use alternatives like "a great deal of audacity", "unmitigated gall", or "remarkable impudence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lots of nerve" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lots of nerve" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "great audacity" or "considerable amount of cheek".

How do I use "lots of nerve" in a sentence?

You can use "lots of nerve" to describe someone who is acting boldly or impudently. For example, "She had "lots of nerve" to ask for a raise after being consistently late."