What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nervy
Example
She was feeling nervy before her big presentation. [nervy: adjective]
Example
It was a nervy moment when the athlete attempted the difficult maneuver. [nervy: adjective]
gutsy
Example
The firefighter made a gutsy move to save the trapped family. [gutsy: adjective]
Example
It takes a gutsy person to start their own business. [gutsy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gutsy is more commonly used than nervy in everyday language, especially in American English. Gutsy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nervy is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nervy and gutsy?
Both nervy and gutsy are informal words, but nervy may be considered slightly more formal due to its British English origin.
