summoned the nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "summoned the nerve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of gathering courage or determination to do something challenging or intimidating. Example: "After weeks of hesitation, she finally summoned the nerve to confront her boss about the unfair treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Finally, Mr. Pappas summoned the nerve.

The New York Times

She finally "summoned the nerve," as she put it, to ask him if he knew why the planes were delayed.

The New York Times - Style

Once the visitor and his friend had ordered, they summoned the nerve to look around at the other customers.

The New Yorker

When the train reached Rhode Island, Ted summoned the nerve to ask Mary Beth out for a slice of pizza.

The New York Times

At some indefinable point, Kees summoned the nerve, denied to weaker writers, to strip down the workings of his talent and see what functioned best.

The New Yorker

When I'd finally summoned the nerve to sprint across the parking lot and up the ramp, that morning in Long Island City, I stumbled in on six patrolmen strapping on their gear.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Summoning the nerve, he approached and told her, "You're beautiful".

The New York Times - Magazine

Otherwise, who could summon the nerve to walk out the front door?

The New York Times - Books

Harold could not summon the nerve to show the adviser fake documents.

The New York Times

He contemplated suicide, he said, but could not summon the nerve.

The New York Times - Arts

Democrats should take another look at what really happened in Massachusetts and then summon the nerve to enact comprehensive reform.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "summoned the nerve" when you want to emphasize the mental effort and internal struggle someone faced before acting courageously. It adds a touch of drama and highlights the challenge involved.

Common error

While "summoned the nerve" is a strong phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in the same paragraph or page. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Use related alternatives to create variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "summoned the nerve" functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the act of gathering or conjuring courage, determination, or resolve to undertake a challenging or intimidating action. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "summoned the nerve" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe gathering courage to face a daunting task. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. Alternative phrases like "mustered the courage" or "found the courage" offer similar meanings, while avoiding overuse of the original phrase. Understanding its function and purpose allows for more effective and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mustered the courage

Replaces "summoned" with "mustered", focusing on gathering strength. Slightly more formal.

Got up the nerve

A more colloquial variant with the same core meaning.

Found the courage

Simpler and more direct way of saying someone found the necessary courage.

Gathered the strength

Emphasizes inner strength rather than a mental decision.

Plucked up the courage

More informal and implies a quicker, more impulsive act of courage.

Worked up the courage

Suggests that some time or effort to make something work had to be applied before expressing said courage.

Built up the courage

Focuses on the gradual increase of courage over time.

Steel oneself

Implies preparing for something unpleasant or difficult, requiring mental fortitude.

Drew up the courage

Implies a slow extraction of courage from an internal reserve.

Braced oneself

Suggests preparing for an impact or shock, requiring mental and emotional stability.

FAQs

How can I use "summoned the nerve" in a sentence?

You can use "summoned the nerve" to describe someone gathering courage to do something difficult or daunting. For example, "After much deliberation, she "summoned the nerve" to quit her job."

What can I say instead of "summoned the nerve"?

You can use alternatives like "mustered the courage", "found the courage", or "plucked up the courage" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "summoned courage" or "summoned the nerve"?

"Summoned courage" is grammatically correct, but ""summoned the nerve"" is more idiomatic and conveys a sense of overcoming hesitation or fear.

What does it mean to "pluck up the nerve"?

"Pluck up the nerve" is similar to "summoned the nerve" and means to force yourself to be brave enough to do something you are nervous about. It suggests a more impulsive and immediate act of courage.