nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "nerve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to either physical nerves, or to describe a situation or feeling of having a lack of courage or confidence. For example, "I'm feeling a little bit of nerve before my job interview tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Kvitova has always had power and nerve, as you would expect from someone who won on the grass of Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014.

The Guardian - Sport

Matt and Sweat escaped from adjoining cells by cutting holes in pipes in the prison's heating system and had the time and nerve to leave a note bearing a smiley face and the words "Have a nice day".

The Guardian

If it tingles like crazy – and it does for me – that's the trigeminal nerve, which responds to spice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My update hit a nerve with every friend from my age group and I was inundated with platitudes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was understandable nervousness on occasions but her nerve held on military matters and diplomatic negotiations.

The Guardian

The second part of the double requires Trencin to maintain their nerve in the closing six matches of the league campaign.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It's more nerve-racking because you are taking on more of the risk, but it's more satisfying because you are able to mould the show".

The Guardian

I phone Paul and explain the itch-nerve theory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With a maximum height of nearly 3,000 metres, getting back down again, via a nerve-inducing series of switchbacks (the aptly named Devil's Nose) is a memorable white-knuckle experience.

The Guardian - Travel

It was a nerve-racking and emotional moment for everyone.

The Guardian - Film

The jeopardy of watching Mo is what's nerve-wracking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to courage or boldness, use "nerve" to convey a sense of daring or audacity. For physical references, ensure clarity by specifying the type of nerve (e.g., "optic nerve").

Common error

Avoid using "nerve" when you intend to express anxiety or unease. While "nerves" can refer to a state of agitation, "nerve" alone typically denotes courage or a physical nerve. Use "nervousness" or a similar term to accurately convey anxiety.

Linguistic Context

The word "nerve" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a bundle of neurons or, metaphorically, to courage or audacity. It can also function as a verb, meaning to give courage or strength. Ludwig confirms its versatile usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "nerve" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, functioning primarily as a noun or verb. It commonly refers to a physical nerve, but can also denote courage, boldness, or even anxiety (in the plural form "nerves"). As Ludwig confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widespread. When writing, be mindful of the intended context to ensure clarity. For references to courage or boldness, "nerve" conveys a sense of daring. When describing anxiety, consider using "nervousness" instead. With a strong presence in News & Media and Scientific contexts, "nerve" holds a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courage

Focuses specifically on the mental strength to face fear or danger.

boldness

Emphasizes a willingness to take risks or act unconventionally.

bravery

Highlights valor and fearlessness in the face of adversity.

fortitude

Stresses resilience and endurance in difficult situations.

pluck

Implies spirited determination and resourcefulness.

audacity

Suggests a willingness to take bold risks, sometimes bordering on impudence.

anxiety

Focuses on the feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.

apprehension

Emphasizes a feeling of dread or anticipation of future adversity.

trepidation

Highlights a state of fear or anxiety about something that might happen.

sinew

Focuses specifically on the physical strength and resilience of a tendon.

FAQs

How can I use "nerve" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, "nerve" can refer to courage (He had the "nerve" to ask her out), a physical nerve (The optic "nerve" transmits visual information), or, in plural form, anxiety (She had a bad case of nerves before the test).

What's the difference between "nerve" and "nervousness"?

"Nerve" often refers to courage or boldness, whereas "nervousness" indicates anxiety or unease. They represent opposing emotional states.

What can I say instead of "nerve" when referring to courage?

You can use alternatives like "courage", "boldness", or "bravery" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "nerve" to describe feeling anxious?

While the plural form "nerves" can describe anxiety, using the singular "nerve" in this context is less common. It's more accurate to use "anxiety" or "nervousness" to express that feeling.