not as courageous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as courageous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of courage between two subjects, indicating that one is less courageous than the other. Example: "While she showed bravery in the face of danger, her brother was not as courageous during the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I'm not as courageous.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm not as courageous as my father," Gurlitt said.

Los Angeles Times

I'm not as courageous as Lizbeth, Lulu and Marco.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And even the statistics are generous: so many disabled people will not be as courageous as Kovalenski in calling out ableism because they fear being told that they suffer from a victim complex.

Independent

Aren't you as courageous as John Kerry, Senator?" "Senator McCain, your current wife, to date, has released only two pages from a single year of her tax returns.

Huffington Post

Whether or not they wracked up confirmed kills (and many of them have) is not as important as their courageous choice to serve.

Huffington Post

Thomas does not compromise when it comes to his personal judgments, which leads some people to regard him as courageous.

The New Yorker

Keith Busse is as courageous as anyone you will ever meet and fears no fight, but if he doesn't get his stock up he will have a fight he can't win.

Forbes

She was as courageous as they come.

Huffington Post

She regards her abortion not as a courageous choice or a grave mistake but as a literary opportunity: "These things happened to me so that I might recount them".

The New York Times - Books

Maybe one day this won't be viewed as courageous, but we're not there yet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not as courageous", ensure you provide a clear point of comparison. For example, specify who or what the subject is not as courageous as.

Common error

Avoid using "not as courageous" in situations where a different quality is more relevant. For example, if someone is simply cautious, "not as reckless" might be a more appropriate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as courageous" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a lesser degree of courage relative to someone or something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with several real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not as courageous" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to denote a comparative lack of bravery. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, primarily within news and media. While less frequent, this phrase serves effectively in situations where a nuanced comparison of courage levels is required. Remember to provide a clear reference point when using this phrase to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "less brave" or "less bold" can be used for conciseness, depending on the specific context and desired formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less brave

This alternative directly replaces "courageous" with "brave", offering a more concise way to express a lack of courage.

not so brave

Using "so" emphasizes the diminished level of bravery, making it slightly less formal.

lacking in courage

This phrase uses a more formal structure to indicate a deficiency in courage.

not as bold

Replaces "courageous" with "bold", suggesting a lack of audacity or willingness to take risks.

less daring

Substitutes "courageous" with "daring", focusing on the absence of adventurousness.

not quite as fearless

This phrase uses "fearless" to highlight the absence of complete bravery, adding a touch of nuance.

timid compared to

Expresses a contrast with a comparison, emphasizing the subject's shyness or lack of confidence.

not as valiant

Replaces "courageous" with "valiant", which is more formal and emphasizes heroism.

somewhat apprehensive

This phrase uses a more subtle term to indicate a state of slight fear or anxiety, implying a lack of courage.

not inclined to take risks

This describes a general aversion to risk-taking, implying a lack of courage in certain situations.

FAQs

How can I use "not as courageous" in a sentence?

You can use "not as courageous" to compare two individuals or actions. For instance, "He was "not as courageous" as his sister when facing the challenge".

What's a more concise way to say "not as courageous"?

Alternatives include "less brave" or "less bold". For example, "She was "less brave" than expected".

Is it grammatically correct to say "not as courageous as"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is typically followed by a comparison, such as "not as courageous as he used to be" or "not as courageous as she is".

When is it better to use "less brave" instead of "not as courageous"?

"Less brave" is a more direct and concise option, suitable for informal contexts. "Not as courageous" can provide a more nuanced comparison in formal or descriptive writing.