sheer nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

'sheer nerve' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who has an extraordinary amount of courage or boldness in the face of dangerous or difficult situations. Example sentence: She managed to escape the burning building with nothing but her sheer nerve.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

There were no permits and no planning — just sheer nerve.

The New York Times

(He was given a place for sheer nerve).

Independent

"I mean, the sheer nerve of tackling light opera".

The New Yorker

And while the postpunk revival hit a peak in 2003-4, ¡FoRussia Russia! might just prolong it through sheer nerve.

The New York Times - Arts

As with contemporaneous punk music, sheer nerve rocketed impudent twentysomethings to stardom on New York's downtown scene.

The New Yorker

Robert Maxwell in his last days would have recognised an equal, perhaps even a superior, in sheer nerve.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"These people there are just petrified … They simply don't have the sheer brass nerve to do what we did because we weren't afraid for our jobs".

The Guardian

Whether it was the noise or sheer nerves at having made it to the second round, the Engineers got off to an unsteady start.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But one night he made a mess of one of his tricks, and out of sheer nerves he did that laugh".

Independent

Most of the contestants have spent months studying and drilling, using Scrabble tiles, homemade crossword puzzles, computer programs and private tutors; but even the best prepared can be snared by deceptive vowel sounds, obscure etymologies and sheer nerves.

The New York Times

There was definitely some freaking out on my part, mostly out of sheer nerves.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer nerve" to describe actions that require a significant amount of boldness and audacity, especially when facing considerable opposition or risk.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer nerve" when simple competence or skill is involved. The phrase implies a daring or audacious element beyond mere capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer nerve" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It describes a quality of boldness and audacity. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes someone who has courage in dangerous or difficult situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sheer nerve" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe exceptional boldness and audacity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it often characterizes actions taken in challenging or dangerous circumstances. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its usage extends to the arts and literature, conveying admiration or disbelief. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards professional. When using this phrase, be sure to highlight the daring and audacious element, setting it apart from mere competence or confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter boldness

Stresses the complete and unreserved nature of the boldness.

pure audacity

Highlights the boldness and daring nature of the action.

brazen audacity

Highlights the shameless and defiant aspect of the boldness.

extreme gall

Focuses on the impudence involved and emphasizes its magnitude.

unmitigated gall

Focuses more on the impudence and audacity involved.

astonishing impudence

Highlights the shocking and disrespectful nature of the action.

unadulterated chutzpah

Uses a Yiddish term to convey extreme self-confidence and audacity.

absolute temerity

Emphasizes the recklessness and boldness, often implying foolishness.

exceptional daring

Emphasizes the willingness to take risks.

remarkable courage

Shifts the focus slightly to the positive aspect of bravery.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer nerve" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer nerve" to describe someone's audacious actions, such as, "She managed to negotiate the deal with "sheer nerve", despite the difficult circumstances."

What are some alternatives to saying "sheer nerve"?

Alternatives to "sheer nerve" include "pure audacity", "unmitigated gall", or "brazen audacity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sheer nerve" in formal writing?

Yes, "sheer nerve" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news and media or when analyzing someone's actions. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the context.

What distinguishes "sheer nerve" from simple confidence?

"Sheer nerve" implies more than just confidence; it suggests a daring, audacious, or even reckless quality, often in the face of significant risk or opposition, while confidence implies more of a belief in one's abilities.