test of courage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "test of courage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any kind of challenge that requires bravery or courage. For example, "John faced his biggest test of courage when he volunteered to climb Mount Everest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

How Austria decides to deal with the Braunau house will be a test of courage.

The Guardian

It is also a wonderful test of temperament and a test of courage.

The Guardian - Sport

"The test of courage comes when we are in the minority," Ralph Sockman says.

The Guardian - Opinion

The National is a supreme test of courage, athleticism and stamina for horse and jockey.

The Guardian - Sport

Years later still, some of the boys' children found and drank them, watered down, as a test of courage.

The New Yorker

Tertullian, the 2nd-century North African Christian theologian, describes the test of courage to which the miles was subjected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

For men born too late to take part in the Civil War or the settling of the frontier, there were fewer conventional tests of courage to be found.

The New York Times - Books

Romney is failing the tests of courage, integrity, and loyalty to our nation and people.

Huffington Post

As another former distinguished Senator John F. Kennedy reminds us in Profiles in Courage, "Politics merely furnishes one arena which imposes special tests of courage...For this each man must look into his own soul".

Huffington Post

There is a good test of senatorial courage coming this week.

The New York Times

There were no shadings; he judged everybody by whether they passed this test of moral courage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about overcoming challenges, use "test of courage" to highlight the bravery required, making your narrative more impactful.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "test of courage" to describe challenging situations. Instead, provide specific details about the challenges faced and the actions taken to demonstrate courage effectively. This makes your writing more vivid and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "test of courage" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a situation, event, or challenge that serves to evaluate or demonstrate one's bravery and fortitude. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "test of courage" is a noun phrase that correctly and commonly describes a situation that demands bravery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse sources, primarily in News & Media. Alternatives include "demonstration of courage" and "examination of courage". When employing this phrase, ensure its usage aligns with conveying bravery, and be specific in illustrating the challenges faced. This approach enhances the impact and clarity of your narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstration of courage

Focuses on showing courage rather than being tested.

examination of courage

Highlights a close inspection or scrutiny of one's bravery.

evidence of courage

Emphasizes providing proof or indications of bravery.

ordeal of bravery

Implies a severe or trying experience that tests one's bravery.

trial of valor

Uses 'valor' to indicate a heroic or noble form of courage, suggesting a more formal or elevated context.

moment of truth

Signifies a critical juncture where one's courage is revealed.

baptism of fire

Suggests an initial, challenging experience that tests resilience.

rite of passage

Implies a ceremony or event marking a significant transition, often involving a test of courage.

acid test

Indicates a definitive test that proves the worth or quality of something, including courage.

litmus test

Suggests a simple, clear test that reveals a particular quality or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "test of courage" in a sentence?

You can use "test of courage" to describe a situation or event that requires someone to be brave. For instance, "Climbing the mountain was a true "test of courage" for the inexperienced hikers".

What are some alternatives to "test of courage"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "demonstration of courage", "examination of courage", or "ordeal of bravery".

Is it better to say "test of courage" or "act of courage"?

"Test of courage" refers to a situation that challenges someone's bravery, while "act of courage" describes a specific action taken with bravery. The best choice depends on whether you're highlighting the challenge or the response.

What's the difference between "test of courage" and "test of strength"?

"Test of courage" focuses on mental and emotional bravery in the face of fear, while "test of strength" typically refers to physical power or resilience.