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Is this sentence grammatically correct "You got the nerves"? The intent is to convey that you have confidence or you are fearless under tough situations

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    No - we normally use singular in this context. And strictly speaking we should expect the initial verb to be explicitly present: Have you got the nerve [to do this]?
    – FumbleFingers
    Mar 9 at 18:35
  • But what if I was saying it in an affirmative way or telling someone that You got the nerves. This is without the question mark. Is that grammatically correct?
    – nicku
    Mar 9 at 19:14
  • It is not idiomatic. We say "You have nerve", not nerves or the nerves.
    – stangdon
    Mar 9 at 22:06
  • It's worth noting that "You've got a nerve! means you're impertinent / cheeky / presumptive, not "brave".
    – FumbleFingers
    Mar 10 at 11:36
  • @Fumble But Cambridge dictionary has one of this meaning : the courage or confidence necessary to do something difficult for nerve
    – nicku
    Mar 11 at 7:41

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This is not idiomatic.

"You've got a lot of guts" would be better. There are a number of vulgar expressions here that I'll won't recommend.

There is an expression if you say "You've got a nerve" it means you are criticising them for being directly rude, self-centred, or for doing something wrong, without caring about the consequences.

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  • But what if I want to appreciate or point out the courageous quality in someone? Is using You got the nerve or He got the nerve correct? Also why is plural You got the nerves incorrect grammatically? Thanks
    – nicku
    Mar 10 at 10:32
  • No. "You've got a lot of guts" would be better. How can I make my answer clearer?
    – James K
    Mar 10 at 21:20
  • what are your thoughts about the last comment I posted directly underneath the question? The Cambridge dictionary does mention one of the meanings of nerve to be brave. Although I agree on the sentence you mentioned sounds better
    – nicku
    Mar 11 at 19:14

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