be spurred

USAGE SUMMARY

"be spurred" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a verb phrase to indicate that someone or something has been motivated or pushed to take action or make a decision. It can also refer to being encouraged, encouraged, or influenced to do something. Example: The athlete was spurred by his coach's words of encouragement to run faster and break the record. In this sentence, "be spurred" means that the athlete was motivated or pushed by his coach's words to run faster.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As electronic connectivity demands its mirror image — the physical connectedness of human beings scrambling to keep pace with digital algorithms — the growth will be spurred that keeps us whole.

The New York Times

Will Michigan State, which has a well-developed club program, be spurred to action?

The New York Times

"New technology is going to be spurred on by putting a price on carbon", Kim said.

The Guardian

Whether that consolidation will be spurred by Beijing or the debt-holding banks remains unclear.

The New York Times

One hopes that publishers may be spurred to reprint some of these exceptional books.

The New Yorker

Hagan expects to be spurred on by fellow runners on Sunday.

The Guardian

Briefly, there was the sense United might be spurred on by a sense of injustice.

The Guardian - Sport

Philpott says wage growth might only be spurred when unemployment sinks to 3%.

The Guardian - Business

Some observers say that is why he may be spurred towards a permanent political settlement over Ukraine.

Independent

House Democrats predicted Republicans would be spurred on by an interest in showing skeptical voters that they can produce results.

The New York Times

That growth will be spurred, in part, by the creation of the Institute for Data Sciences and Engineering at Columbia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be spurred" when you want to emphasize that an external force or event is driving someone or something to take action, often with a sense of urgency or increased momentum. For example, "The team's efforts were spurred by the upcoming deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "be spurred" when a gentler or more internal motivation is intended. Instead of saying "He was spurred by his own ambition", consider "He was motivated by his own ambition" for a more accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be spurred" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is the recipient of an action that prompts or encourages them to do something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it signifies that someone or something is being motivated or pushed to take action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be spurred" is a commonly used verb phrase that conveys external motivation driving action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase functions to explain the causes behind increased activity. While several alternatives exist, such as "be motivated" or "be encouraged", the choice depends on the precise nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "be spurred" when highlighting external pressure and avoid it when referring to more internal, gentle motivations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be motivated

Focuses on internal drive, whereas "be spurred" suggests external influence.

be encouraged

Implies a gentler influence than "be spurred", which can suggest urgency.

be prompted

Suggests a specific event or instruction leads to action, more direct than "be spurred".

be driven

Highlights strong internal forces or pressures, while "be spurred" is typically external.

be incited

Indicates a more aggressive or forceful stimulation, stronger than "be spurred".

be stimulated

Implies arousal or invigoration, a broader range of effects than "be spurred".

be inspired

Conveys uplifting or creative motivation, differing from the potential urgency of "be spurred".

be goaded

Highlights persistent prodding, more intense and negative than "be spurred".

be impelled

Suggests a strong, often irresistible force, stronger than "be spurred".

be persuaded

Highlights convincing or influencing someone to act, unlike the driving nature of "be spurred".

FAQs

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

Use "be spurred" when you want to convey that an external factor is motivating or driving someone to action. For example, "The company's growth was "spurred by" the new marketing campaign".

What can I say instead of "be spurred"?

You can use alternatives like "be motivated", "be encouraged", or "be prompted" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "be spurred to" or "be spurred on to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Be spurred to" directly indicates the action, while "be spurred on to" adds emphasis on the continuation or intensity of the action. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "be spurred" and "be inspired"?

"Be spurred" typically implies an external pressure or incentive driving action, whereas "be inspired" suggests a more internal, uplifting, or creative motivation.