took guts

USAGE SUMMARY

"took guts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a difficult situation or experience that someone bravely faced. For example: "He faced his fears and it took guts for him to do so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That took guts".

The New York Times

It took guts.

The New York Times

That took guts, says Donfrey's wife.

The New Yorker

(It took guts to sit for Dix).

The New Yorker

"That took guts, because bloggers are always off message".

The New York Times

"He was just a lieutenant then — this took guts".

The New Yorker

"That took guts for a new judge," Mr. Pollner said.

The New York Times

But that took guts, all the way around.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some players have told Fassel that his guarantee took guts.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a point-changing shot, and it took guts to pull the trigger.

The New York Times

It took guts, because The Times's lawyers were urging them not to publish.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took guts" to emphasize that an action required significant courage, especially when facing potential negative consequences or risks.

Common error

Avoid using "took guts" for everyday decisions that don't genuinely require courage or bravery; reserve it for scenarios involving real risk or significant personal challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took guts" functions as a declarative statement that attributes courage to a specific action or decision. It implies that the act was difficult or risky and required bravery. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to commend someone's boldness in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took guts" is a common and acceptable way to express that an action required significant courage or bravery. According to Ludwig, it functions primarily to acknowledge and admire someone's boldness, often in the face of risk. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain academic or professional contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage is widespread and readily understood. Ludwig AI confirms that "took guts" is a correct and usable phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required courage

Focuses on the necessity of courage in the situation.

demanded bravery

Highlights the need for brave action.

needed nerve

Emphasizes boldness and daring.

showed audacity

Highlights a willingness to take bold risks.

displayed valor

Implies honorable and recognized bravery.

called for fortitude

Stresses the need for mental and emotional strength.

took a bold step

Focuses on the action being daring and unconventional.

needed backbone

Emphasizes strength of character and resolve.

required fearlessness

Highlights the absence of fear in the action.

took a brave pill

Emphasizes the action being daring and unconventional.

FAQs

How can I use "took guts" in a sentence?

You can use "took guts" to describe an action that required courage or bravery, such as, "It "took guts" for her to speak out against the company's unethical practices".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "took guts"?

Alternatives include phrases like "required courage", "demanded bravery", or "needed nerve", which all convey a similar sense of bravery and daring.

Is it appropriate to use "took guts" in formal writing?

While "took guts" is widely understood, it may be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives like "required courage" or "demanded bravery" in formal writing.

What does it mean when someone says something "took guts"?

It means the action in question involved facing a risk or challenge that required courage or bravery. It implies the person demonstrated strength in a difficult situation.