are encouraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are encouraged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been or could be encouraged, such as an action, behavior, or attitude. For example: "Students are encouraged to think critically and ask questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

(Appointments are encouraged).

The New York Times - Arts

Investors are encouraged.

The Economist

Yet advocates are encouraged.

The Economist

Masks and costumes are encouraged.

The New York Times - Food

People are encouraged to linger.

The New York Times - Travel

(Seconds are encouraged).

The New York Times

Diagrams are encouraged.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The indicators are encouraging.

The Economist

Some studies are encouraging.

The Economist

Initial impressions are encouraging.

The New York Times - Sports

The results are encouraging.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are encouraged" to convey that certain actions or behaviors are looked upon favorably and may lead to positive outcomes. For example, "Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities".

Common error

Avoid using "are encouraged" excessively in passive voice constructions. Over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing sound weak or vague. Opt for active voice where appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The submission of proposals is encouraged", try "We encourage the submission of proposals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are encouraged" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is receiving support, motivation, or recommendation. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are encouraged" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive verb phrase that indicates support or recommendation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency is very common, appearing predominantly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of passive voice overuse and consider active alternatives for more direct writing. Related phrases include "are supported", "are promoted", and "are recommended", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are supported

Indicates active backing or assistance, differing from mere encouragement.

are promoted

Suggests active advancement or advocacy, implying a more proactive stance.

are endorsed

Implies formal approval or recommendation, a stronger affirmation.

are fostered

Denotes nurturing or cultivation, emphasizing growth and development.

are recommended

Suggests advising or suggesting, a less forceful form of encouragement.

are advised

Implies a formal suggestion or guidance, indicating a level of expertise.

are urged

Conveys a strong recommendation or prompting, indicating a sense of urgency.

are invited

Suggests an open invitation or opportunity, less forceful than direct encouragement.

are welcome

Indicates acceptance and openness, a general affirmation of allowance.

are permitted

Indicates that something is allowed or authorized, a more formal allowance.

FAQs

How can I use "are encouraged" in a sentence?

The phrase "are encouraged" indicates that certain actions or behaviors are viewed favorably. For example, "Employees "are encouraged" to take breaks throughout the day".

What are some alternatives to "are encouraged"?

You can use alternatives such as "are supported", "are promoted", or "are recommended" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "are encouraged"?

While "are encouraged" is a passive construction and perfectly grammatically valid, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "The use of bicycles "is encouraged"", you might say "We encourage the use of bicycles".

What's the difference between "are encouraged" and "are required"?

"Are encouraged" suggests a recommendation, while "are required" implies a mandatory action. One is optional, while the other is compulsory.