work up the nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

'work up the nerve' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to talk about building up the strength or courage to do something that is difficult or intimidating. For example, "After months of practice, I finally worked up the nerve to perform at the talent show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

What if you can't work up the nerve to throw yourself?

The New York Times - Style

How do you work up the nerve to ask for help?

The New York Times

It took me a few days to work up the nerve to phone William Binney.

The New York Times

A fellow acting student, Jack follows her around, trying to work up the nerve to ask her for a date.

The New York Times

You, me, and most everyone else struggle to work up the nerve to question things that appear too good to be true.

The New York Times

This credit is good through 2016, in case you need to work up the nerve to tackle a full geothermal, solar conversion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Mr. Dowd finally worked up the nerve to approach Ms. Corcoran.

The New York Times

Rubio said he finally worked up the nerve to ask.

The New York Times - Sports

She worked up the nerve to approach her boss at Vogue.

The Guardian

When I finally worked up the nerve to tell him, he instantly agreed.

The New York Times

He finally worked up the nerve and landed the part of Chico in "West Side Story".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "work up the nerve" with action verbs to show the result of mustering courage, for example, "work up the nerve to speak", "work up the nerve to ask".

Common error

Avoid using "work up the nerve" when describing a spontaneous or impulsive action. This phrase implies a period of hesitation or mental preparation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work up the nerve" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the process of summoning enough courage or confidence to do something that is difficult, intimidating, or anxiety-inducing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work up the nerve" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that describes the process of gradually gaining enough courage or confidence to do something daunting. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It functions to communicate the effort involved in overcoming fear or hesitation. The phrase appears across various sources, notably in "News & Media", and has a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse contexts. Similar phrases include "muster the courage" and "pluck up the courage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get up the courage

A more direct and less idiomatic way of saying "work up the nerve", differing slightly in tone.

muster the courage

Focuses more on gathering courage, while "work up the nerve" implies a process of building courage.

find the courage

Highlights the discovery of existing courage, whereas "work up the nerve" implies creating it.

pluck up the courage

Emphasizes a sudden act of gaining courage, unlike the gradual implication of "work up the nerve".

summon the bravery

Highlights the act of calling upon one's bravery, which is a more formal way to express a similar sentiment.

screw up your courage

An informal way of saying "work up the nerve", with a more forceful connotation.

steel oneself

Implies preparing emotionally for something difficult, whereas "work up the nerve" focuses on the initial courage to start.

brace oneself

Suggests preparing for a shock or impact, differing from the specific courage implied by "work up the nerve".

gather one's wits

Focuses on mental readiness rather than emotional courage, setting it apart from "work up the nerve".

get a grip

Implies regaining control or composure, which is a broader meaning than gaining courage for a specific action.

FAQs

How can I use "work up the nerve" in a sentence?

You can use "work up the nerve" to describe gathering courage to do something daunting. For example, "She had to "work up the nerve" to quit her job".

What can I say instead of "work up the nerve"?

Alternatives include "muster the courage", "pluck up the courage", or "summon the bravery" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "work up the nerve" or "get up the nerve"?

Both "work up the nerve" and "get up the nerve" are correct and interchangeable. However, "work up the nerve" suggests a slightly more gradual process of gaining courage.

When is it not appropriate to use "work up the nerve"?

Avoid using "work up the nerve" when describing actions that are impulsive or require no prior hesitation. It's more fitting for situations involving fear, anxiety, or significant risk.