be encouraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be encouraged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to offer support or motivation to someone, often in a context where they may need reassurance or positivity. Example: "Even in difficult times, remember to be encouraged and keep pushing forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I should be encouraged".

The New Yorker

He should be encouraged.

The New York Times

Small schemes will be encouraged.

The Economist

Should home births be encouraged?

Independent

Cycling must be encouraged.

The Guardian - Arts

Everybody will be encouraged".

The Guardian - Sport

Such efforts should be encouraged.

Library & Information Science Research

(As though he had to be encouraged).

The New York Times

Well, perhaps you can be encouraged.

The Economist

In fact, it should be encouraged.

The New York Times

Small savers should be encouraged, not penalized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be encouraged" when you want to convey a sense of support and motivation, especially in situations where reassurance or optimism is needed. It's particularly effective in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "be encouraged" to the point where your writing sounds weak or indirect. Sometimes, an active voice can be more impactful and direct. For example, instead of "Students should be encouraged to participate", consider "Encourage students to participate."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be encouraged" is to act as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is receiving the action of encouragement, rather than performing it. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be encouraged" functions as a passive verb phrase used to express support, motivation, or approval. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While grammatically sound, it's important to avoid overusing passive voice. As Ludwig AI suggests, you can enhance your writing by using active voice where appropriate. Alternatives like "feel heartened" or "gain confidence" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar sentiments. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "be encouraged" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel heartened

Focuses on the emotional aspect of gaining courage or hope.

gain confidence

Emphasizes the increase in self-assurance and belief in one's abilities.

find motivation

Highlights the act of discovering the drive and inspiration to move forward.

take heart

A more idiomatic way of expressing the act of finding comfort and hope in a situation.

be optimistic

Shifts the focus to maintaining a positive outlook and expecting favorable outcomes.

remain hopeful

Stresses the importance of maintaining a sense of hope and anticipation.

keep the faith

An expression that conveys the importance of holding onto one's beliefs and convictions.

stay positive

Suggests maintaining a positive attitude.

look on the bright side

Focuses on finding the positive aspects of a situation, even in the face of challenges.

see the silver lining

Highlights the ability to find something positive even in difficult or challenging circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "be encouraged" to express support or motivation. For example, "Participants should be encouraged to share their experiences" or "We want everyone to be encouraged by the progress we've made".

What are some alternatives to "be encouraged"?

You can use alternatives like "feel heartened", "gain confidence", or "find motivation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be encouraged" or an active voice construction?

While "be encouraged" is grammatically correct, using an active voice construction can often make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "Students should be encouraged to participate", consider "Encourage students to participate".

What is the difference between "be encouraged" and "be supported"?

"Be encouraged" implies that someone should be given motivation or confidence. On the other hand, "be supported" implies that someone should receive practical help or assistance. Depending on the context, use "be supported" when you want to express the importance of helping someone.