summon courage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "summon courage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to find the bravery or strength to face a difficult situation. Example: "In times of adversity, we must summon courage to confront our fears and move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I tried for some time to summon courage.

The New Yorker

"Coming out as undocumented wasn't as hard as coming out being queer," said Hafid Dumet, who said he had to summon courage to discuss his sexuality in front of the gathering.

The New York Times

Along the way, Morgan, trying to summon courage, murmured song lyrics to himself: "Over hill, over dale, we have hit the dusty trail / And those caissons go rolling along".

The New Yorker

He helped salesmen perfect their pitch and businessmen steady their nerves before a big presentation; he taught his students how to summon courage when they were nervous and feign confidence when they were sick with terror.

The New Yorker

Representative DeLay Americans have always had to summon courage to disregard the timid counsel of those who would mortgage our security to the false promises of wishful thinking and appeasement.

The New York Times

And needing to summon courage is itself a benefit.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Summoning courage through words was a Reed songwriting trademark.

The New Yorker

The savior in the painting summons courage and uses man-made technology and knowledge how to use those tools to save the drowning victim.

HuffPost

Summon the courage to protest, and "people don't listen".

Independent

How do you summon the courage to call up an important person?

The New York Times

Both sides must summon the courage to tackle extremely sensitive issues, like settlements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "summon courage" when you want to emphasize the act of actively calling forth inner strength or bravery in a specific moment. It's particularly effective when facing a daunting task or challenge.

Common error

While "summon courage" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be brave" or "find the strength" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "summon courage" functions as a verb phrase where "summon" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object (courage). It describes the action of actively calling forth bravery or strength to face a challenging situation. Ludwig examples show its usage in both personal and political contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "summon courage" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of calling forth bravery or inner strength. As Ludwig highlights, it often appears in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While the phrase is deemed correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, overuse in informal settings might sound unnatural; alternatives such as "find the strength" may be more suitable. Ultimately, "summon courage" is a powerful phrase best used to emphasize active resilience in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

muster bravery

Replaces "courage" with "bravery", a direct synonym, maintaining the verb "muster" that has a similar meaning of gathering or summoning.

find the strength

Shifts the focus from courage to inner strength, emphasizing the ability to endure or overcome a difficult situation.

gather one's resolve

Emphasizes the act of solidifying one's determination and commitment to face a challenge, highlighting mental fortitude.

steel oneself

Suggests preparing oneself mentally and emotionally for a difficult or unpleasant experience.

pluck up the nerve

Implies overcoming hesitation or fear to do something that requires boldness.

brace oneself

Similar to "steel oneself", but focuses on preparing for an imminent impact or shock, whether physical or emotional.

screw up your courage

An idiomatic expression, means to force oneself to be brave enough to do something.

dig deep for fortitude

Implies a more profound search for inner strength and resilience, suitable for prolonged or intense challenges.

summon one's inner lion

Uses metaphorical language to evoke the image of a brave and powerful animal within oneself.

rise to the occasion

Focuses on meeting the demands of a particular situation, often implying a need for courage and competence.

FAQs

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

You can use "summon courage" to describe the act of finding bravery to face a difficult situation. For example, "She had to summon courage to speak in front of the crowd".

What does "summon courage" mean?

To "summon courage" means to call upon or gather the bravery needed to face a challenging or frightening situation. It implies an active effort to overcome fear or hesitation.

What can I say instead of "summon courage"?

You can use alternatives like "muster bravery", "find the strength", or "pluck up the nerve" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "summon courage" or "gather courage"?

Both "summon courage" and "gather courage" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Summon courage" might suggest a more immediate or deliberate act of calling forth bravery, while "gather courage" implies a gradual accumulation of strength. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.