I urge you to attend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I urge you to attend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to strongly encourage someone to participate in an event or meeting. Example: "I urge you to attend the upcoming conference, as it will provide valuable insights into our industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On Tuesday, November 3, Washington's National Cathedral will hold a special event on gun violence and, if you can make it, I urge you to attend.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If you haven't read his books or attended his conferences, I urge you to do so.

Huffington Post

If you've played it for years and never attended or watched a tournament, I urge you to start now.

Vice

We at FOSI will explore these and other ideas at our upcoming conference to be held on December 11 at the Newseum to which I would urge you all to attend and actively participate.

Huffington Post

I urge Guardian readers to attend the conference if they can, but failing that, to follow it on the web.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, I urge those attending to move beyond occupying the physical space, and to gain control of the creative potential of the financial sector.

The Guardian - Opinion

Opposition Web sites and Twitter accounts are being used to urge people to attend election rallies.

The New York Times

Opposition Web sites and Twitter accounts were used to urge people to attend election rallies.

The New York Times

He can urge them to attend demonstrations or lobby their representatives.

The New York Times - Magazine

Officials have also been calling students and even visiting their homes to urge them to attend.

The New York Times

They urge viewers to attend the protests, then give them huge coverage on the network.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I urge you to attend", be sure the context clearly indicates the benefits of attending, thereby reinforcing the strong encouragement. A clear and concise explanation strengthens your recommendation.

Common error

Avoid using "I urge you to attend" too frequently within a single piece of writing. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using alternative phrases like "I recommend" or "I encourage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I urge you to attend" functions as a directive speech act, where the speaker is explicitly encouraging or recommending the listener to participate in an event. As Ludwig states, it is "correct" and "usable in written English." This construction combines a first-person pronoun with a verb of urging and an infinitive phrase indicating the desired action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I urge you to attend" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for strongly encouraging someone to participate in an event. As Ludwig highlights, it's a clear and effective way to express your conviction that their attendance would be beneficial. While it is more frequently found in news and media contexts, its versatility allows for use in various settings, though varying your language with alternatives like "I recommend you attend" can prevent repetition. Remember to use this phrase judiciously and ensure the context clearly explains the benefits of attending to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I strongly encourage your attendance

Uses formal language, emphasizing the act of attending.

I recommend you be present

Recommends presence, which may imply a different level of engagement than "attend".

I advise you to be there

Offers advice, suggesting the attendance is beneficial to the recipient.

Your presence is highly recommended

Passive voice, making the recommendation impersonal.

It would be beneficial for you to attend

Highlights the potential benefit of attending.

I suggest you make time to be there

Suggests finding time, implying scheduling might be a concern.

I propose your participation

Suggests a formal proposal of participation.

Consider attending; it's important

Adds emphasis to the importance of the event.

I ask that you attend

A polite request, which is less forceful than an urging.

I invite you to be present

A formal invitation, differing in its approach.

FAQs

What does "I urge you to attend" mean?

It means that the speaker is strongly recommending or encouraging the listener to participate in a specific event, activity, or meeting.

When is it appropriate to use "I urge you to attend"?

It is suitable when you believe the person would benefit significantly from attending something, such as a conference, meeting, or workshop. It conveys a sense of importance and strong recommendation.

Are there more formal alternatives to "I urge you to attend"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "I strongly encourage your attendance" or "Your presence is highly recommended". These phrases are suitable for professional or official communications.

What are some less formal ways to say "I urge you to attend"?

Less formal options could be "I really think you should go", "It would be great if you could make it", or "I hope you'll be there". Also consider the suggestion "I recommend you attend".