became encouraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became encouraged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a time when someone found motivation or became more hopeful or optimistic. For example, "After reading the inspiring article, she became encouraged to pursue her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Stocks have surged this year as investors became encouraged by a recovery in the housing market and a pickup in hiring.

The New York Times

That union and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers threatened to stage a walkout by 78,000 workers last Sunday morning, but they withdrew the strike threat when union officials became encouraged by progress in the talks.

The New York Times

People drop in and out of the workforce as they became encouraged or discouraged about their chances of finding jobs; as they pursue education; when they become sick or disabled; when they become involved in care for children, the elderly or disabled; and when they retire early.

The Economist

The EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction) and SEM (scanning electron microscope) fractographic analyses on the FCP tested specimens showed that microstructure-sensitive cracking, rather than crystallographic cleavage cracking, became encouraged in NaCl solution and/or high R ratio.

International Journal of Fatigue

"The game became more open in second half, maybe because we became encouraged that we could get something from the game".

BBC

They concluded that there has never been any major documentary series, like Latino Americans, that chronicles the rich history Latinos have in the U.S., starting from the 1500s to the present day.It was then that Bosch said she became encouraged to be part of this mammoth project.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I expect it to recover somewhat in the coming months as the labor market improves and more people become encouraged about their job prospects".

The New York Times

However, he soon becomes encouraged when he discovers that the family likes one of his other inventions – a chair with two hinged legs on the back, making it impossible to tip over backwards.

Wikipedia

When we do, the church can become a beacon of hope for the larger society, because when dignity and equality become encouraged in our faith communities, they can also become norms in culture.

Huffington Post

Whilst this rigidity facilitates institutional comparisons, something that is not necessarily objectionable, it does so to such a degree that we have become encouraged to produce league tables.

BMC Medical Ethics

Informed that Eurydice is a poet, Persephone becomes encouraging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs to convey the feeling of encouragement. Alternatives like "felt heartened" or "grew optimistic" can sometimes provide a more vivid depiction of the emotional shift.

Common error

Avoid using "became encouraged" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, focus on the source of encouragement. For example, instead of "She became encouraged by the news", try "The news encouraged her".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became encouraged" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition into a state of increased hope or motivation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, highlighting its role in describing this emotional shift. The examples show varied contexts from news to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became encouraged" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that describes a transition into a more hopeful or motivated state. While confirmed as correct by Ludwig AI, it's important to be mindful of potential passivity and to consider stronger synonyms for greater impact. Found across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, its register is generally neutral. To enhance writing, focus on the source of encouragement and explore alternatives like "felt heartened" or "grew optimistic" for vividness. While correct, keep in mind there are more frequent alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became hopeful

Highlights the emergence of hope in a particular situation.

felt heartened

Focuses on a feeling of warmth and optimism, often due to positive news or events.

were buoyed

Highlights the uplifting effect of something positive, making one feel more cheerful and confident.

grew optimistic

Emphasizes the development of a hopeful outlook over time.

took heart

Implies finding courage or renewed hope in a challenging situation.

found encouragement

Focuses on the act of receiving support that led to increased motivation.

were inspired

Highlights the influence of external factors sparking enthusiasm and motivation.

became invigorated

Focuses on the feeling of being refreshed and energized, leading to increased motivation.

gained confidence

Emphasizes an increase in self-assurance, often leading to greater action.

perked up

Describes a sudden increase in energy and spirits.

FAQs

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

You can use "became encouraged" to describe a situation where someone's hopes or motivations have been raised. For example, "After the positive feedback, she became encouraged to continue her work."

What's a more impactful alternative to "became encouraged"?

Consider using phrases like "felt heartened", "grew optimistic", or "became hopeful" to convey a stronger sense of increasing hope or motivation.

Is "became encouraged" too passive of a construction?

While grammatically correct, "became encouraged" can sometimes sound passive. Try restructuring the sentence to emphasize the source of encouragement. For example, instead of "He became encouraged by their support", try "Their support encouraged him".

What is the difference between "became encouraged" and "was encouraged"?

"Became encouraged" suggests a process of gradually gaining encouragement, while "was encouraged" indicates a state of being encouraged at a specific point. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the transition or the state.