was bold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was bold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone’s actions or decisions that were daring or courageous in the past. Example: "Despite the risks, she was bold in her approach to the project, which ultimately led to its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gordon: This was bold.

Yale University

I was bold.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That was bold.

The New Yorker

He was bold.

The New Yorker

Even that was bold.

The New Yorker

The landscape was bold.

The New York Times

"It was bold".

The Guardian

Gardner's vision too was bold.

Columbia University

Aesthetically, too, he was bold.

The Guardian - Books

It was bold, but right.

The Guardian

It was bold, brave, brilliant.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art, design, or fashion choices, use "was bold" to convey that the choices were striking, unconventional, and intended to make a statement.

Common error

Avoid using "was bold" to describe mundane actions. Reserve it for situations where genuine courage or risk-taking is involved to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was bold" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, characterizing a subject's past actions or qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly to express admiration for daring behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was bold" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe past actions or characteristics marked by courage, daring, or unconventionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. Alternatives such as "exhibited audacity" or "demonstrated courage" can provide nuanced variations. When using "was bold", reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant a description of courage or risk-taking to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acted bravely

A more direct way of stating the courageous nature of the action.

demonstrated courage

Focuses specifically on the brave aspect of the action or decision.

showed daring

Emphasizes the willingness to take risks and defy conventions.

exhibited audacity

Highlights a display of boldness and willingness to take risks.

took a daring step

Highlights the action as a significant and potentially risky decision.

displayed fearlessness

Stresses the absence of fear in undertaking the action.

ventured bravely

Implies a courageous undertaking into unknown or risky territory.

had the nerve

Focuses on the audacity and confidence required to do something.

took a leap of faith

Emphasizes the uncertainty and trust involved in the action.

defied convention

Highlights the act of going against established norms or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "was bold" in a sentence?

You can use "was bold" to describe someone's actions or decisions that were daring or courageous. For example, "His decision to start his own company during a recession "was bold"".

What are some alternatives to "was bold"?

Alternatives include "exhibited audacity", "demonstrated courage", or "showed daring" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "he was bold" or should it be "he is bold"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "he was bold" refers to a past action or characteristic, while "he is bold" describes a current trait. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between saying "it was bold" and "it was audacious"?

"It was bold" generally implies courage and a willingness to take risks. "It was audacious" /s/implies+audacious a more extreme level of daring, often with a hint of recklessness or disregard for consequences.