who would dare

USAGE SUMMARY

"who would dare" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express a feeling of doubt or disbelief in something. For example: "Who would dare challenge the champion in a boxing match?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Also, who would dare?

The New York Times

Who would dare say no?

The New York Times

Who would dare to leave the cinema?

The New York Times - Arts

Who would dare to dress differently?

Independent

Who would dare crush this American flower?

The New York Times - Sports

And who would dare risk Collina's displeasure?

The Guardian - Sport

And who would dare to argue?

The Guardian - Sport

But who would dare do this?

The New York Times

Who would dare take that from them?

The Guardian

Who would dare write a prequel to Beethoven's Ninth symphony?

The Guardian - Music

Everyone is now supposed to loathe taxation and those politicians who would dare defend public expenditure.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "who would dare" to express incredulity or challenge in a rhetorical manner. It's particularly effective when highlighting the unexpectedness or audacity of an action.

Common error

While "who would dare" is widely used, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Excessive use can make your writing sound melodramatic or less objective. Consider using more neutral phrasing in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who would dare" functions as a rhetorical question, challenging the possibility or advisability of a specific action. It sets up an implied assertion about the unlikelihood or audacious nature of the act in question. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in expressing disbelief or defiance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "who would dare" is a very common rhetorical question used to express disbelief, challenge, or highlight the audacious nature of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, its tone can range from questioning to assertive. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "who could imagine" or "who would be so bold" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, especially in formal writing, to maintain a balanced and objective tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who would have the audacity

Highlights the impudence and disrespect involved in the action.

who would be so presumptuous

Highlights arrogance and unwarranted confidence in the hypothetical actor.

who would be so bold

Emphasizes audacity and risk-taking, adding a dimension of courage.

who could possibly

Questions the feasibility or likelihood of someone performing the action.

who would presume

Suggests an overstepping of boundaries or an unwarranted assumption.

is anyone brave enough

Poses a direct challenge, questioning the courage of potential actors.

who could imagine

Shifts the focus to the realm of possibility and imagination, rather than defiance.

would anyone even consider

Expresses strong doubt that the action is even a possibility.

who is reckless enough

Focuses on the potential danger and irresponsibility of the action.

who would be foolish enough

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom or judgment in undertaking the action.

FAQs

How can I use "who would dare" in a sentence?

Use "who would dare" to express disbelief or challenge the likelihood of someone doing something. For example, "Who would dare criticize such a beloved figure?"

What does "who would dare" imply?

It implies that an action is either highly unlikely, exceptionally bold, or carries significant risk. It often suggests a rhetorical challenge or a sense of outrage.

Are there situations where "who would dare" is inappropriate?

Yes, avoid using it in formal or highly objective contexts where a more neutral tone is required. It's best suited for expressive writing or when conveying a sense of surprise or challenge.

What are some alternatives to "who would dare"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "who could imagine", "who would be so bold", or "who would have the audacity".