show courage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show courage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to act bravely or face a difficult situation with determination. Example: "In times of adversity, it is essential to show courage and stand up for what is right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Show courage!

The New York Times

These people show courage.

The New York Times

You have to show courage".

The New York Times

Israelis show courage every day.

The New York Times

Doctors want to show courage and wit and daring.

The New Yorker

Paulo Sousa called on his Fiorentina players to show courage.

The Guardian - Sport

You have to show courage to accept it".

The Guardian - Sport

Now the four-year-old had to show courage in his heart and staminain his sinews.

Independent

It's difficult to show courage when you're an opposition leader as you're not technically doing anything.

Independent

And how much courage does it take to sign a letter telling someone else he needs to show courage before the signers can show courage?

The Washington Post

4. Show courage on the outside — even if you don't always feel it on the inside.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show courage" when you want to emphasize the act of demonstrating bravery, especially in the face of adversity or fear. It's a versatile phrase applicable across various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "show courage" in trivial situations where the level of bravery or determination isn't truly significant. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Save it for scenarios that genuinely require fortitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show courage" functions primarily as an imperative, urging or advising someone to display bravery. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. It is used to encourage action in challenging situations, whether personal, political, or professional.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show courage" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that encourages bravery and determination in the face of adversity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard expression in the English language. It's found primarily in news and media contexts, but is also applicable in formal business and general communication. Alternatives such as "demonstrate bravery" and "exhibit valor" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis. When using "show courage", it's best to reserve it for genuinely challenging situations and avoid overuse in trivial contexts. It serves as a powerful way to inspire action and acknowledge bravery in both personal and professional spheres.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate bravery

Replaces "show" with "demonstrate" offering a more formal tone, while retaining the core meaning of displaying courage.

display fortitude

Emphasizes mental and emotional strength in facing adversity instead of just courage.

exhibit valor

Implies a heroic quality to the courage being displayed, often used in more formal or literary contexts.

muster bravery

Focuses on gathering or summoning courage, implying an internal struggle to find it.

rise to the occasion

Shifts the focus from inner courage to acting bravely in response to a specific challenge or event.

take heart

Implies encouragement and finding courage from within to face difficulties.

be valiant

Replaces the verb phrase with a simpler adjective, "valiant", meaning possessing or displaying courage.

stand tall

Suggests facing adversity with pride and resilience, implying a form of courage and confidence.

face the music

Indicates accepting consequences with courage and responsibility, often after making a mistake.

steel oneself

Highlights mental preparation and fortifying oneself with courage to face a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "show courage" in a sentence?

You can use "show courage" to encourage someone to act bravely, as in, "In times of adversity, it's important to "demonstrate bravery" and stand up for what's right."

What is a good alternative to "show courage"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "display fortitude", "exhibit valor", or "muster bravery".

Is there a difference between "show courage" and "be brave"?

"Show courage" emphasizes the active demonstration of bravery, while "be brave" is a more general state of being. "Show courage" implies a specific act or moment where bravery is displayed.

When is it appropriate to use "show courage" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "show courage" when highlighting a specific instance where someone faces a challenge or adversity with bravery and determination. It's also suitable for urging someone to act bravely in a difficult situation.