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Prepositions with nouns

“of courage” or “with courage” with courage

With courage describes the manner of an action. Of courage usually follows another noun, as in an act of courage.

Quick answer

Which expression is natural?

Use with courage when someone acts bravely. Use of courage after another noun to describe a quality or type of action, such as stories of courage or acts of courage.

She spoke with courage during the meeting.
The book contains stories of courage and survival.
He faced the crisis with courage.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
with + courage

Describing brave behaviour

Use with courage to show the manner in which someone acts.

The team responded with courage.
She defended her ideas with courage.
2
of + courage

Nouns describing bravery

Use of courage after nouns that describe examples or qualities of bravery.

an act of courage
stories of courage and hope
3
have the courage to + verb

Showing willingness to act

This pattern expresses enough bravery to do something.

He finally had the courage to speak.
Do you have the courage to try?

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
with courage
She answered the criticism with courage.
In a brave manner.
of courage
The medal recognised acts of courage.
Describing bravery after another noun.
courageous
It was a courageous decision.
Adjective form describing someone or something brave.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of courage as a complete phrase

Of courage usually needs a noun before it.

✕ He acted of courage. ✓ He acted with courage.

Using with after nouns like act

Act normally takes of courage.

✕ an act with courage ✓ an act of courage

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She handled the interview ___ courage.
2. The award honours acts ___ courage.
3. He finally had the courage ___ apologize.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say with courage?

Yes. It means acting bravely.

When do we use of courage?

Use it after nouns such as act, story, or example.

Is courage followed by an infinitive?

Yes. English often uses have the courage to do something.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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