Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
by encourage
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "by encourage" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be a fragment and lacks proper grammatical structure. Example: "We can improve our performance by encouraging teamwork among all members."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(8)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
We also join Reza and his mother as they discuss moving to Canada in 1988, and how that journey led him to make a positive change by encourage people who do not normally attend exhibitions to do so.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Throckmorton and Yarhouse begin by encouraging self-acceptance.
News & Media
It might be able to offset this by encouraging migrants.
News & Media
Waldman ends by encouraging us to be like the founders.
News & Media
We should not compound it by encouraging more development.
News & Media
He coached by encouraging and suggesting, rather than browbeating.
News & Media
We can have that again by encouraging grazing, not farming.
News & Media
Mr. Arafat failed his people by encouraging that violence.
News & Media
Start by encouraging the practices I've described above.
News & Media
By encouraging these multiple conversations, managers marshal wandering minds.
News & Media
Do this by encouraging transparency, starting with yourself.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of using the grammatically incorrect phrase "by encourage", opt for phrases like "by promoting", "through encouragement", or "by incentivizing" to ensure clarity and correctness.
Common error
Avoid using the base form of a verb directly after the preposition "by". Always use the gerund form (-ing) or a noun after "by" to maintain grammatical correctness.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "by encourage" functions as an incomplete prepositional phrase. Prepositions like "by" typically require a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing) as their object. Ludwig AI highlights that this phrase lacks proper grammatical structure.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "by encourage" is grammatically incorrect, as noted by Ludwig AI. It requires correction to "by encouraging" or a similar phrase like "through encouragement". While examples exist in news and scientific sources, the infrequency and grammatical error suggest avoiding this phrase in formal writing. Instead, consider alternatives like "by promoting" or "by fostering" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
by promoting
Replaces the verb "encourage" with the more grammatically correct verb "promoting", keeping the preposition "by".
by fostering
Substitutes "encourage" with "fostering", which implies nurturing and developing something.
through encouragement
Uses the noun form of "encourage" with the preposition "through", creating a grammatically sound structure.
by incentivizing
Replaces "encourage" with "incentivizing", suggesting the use of rewards or motivation.
by enabling
Suggests making something possible or easier, shifting the focus from motivation to facilitation.
by supporting
Implies providing assistance or resources, changing the emphasis from direct encouragement to indirect support.
by facilitating
Focuses on making a process or action easier, highlighting the removal of obstacles.
by cultivating
Suggests developing or nurturing something over time, often used for skills or relationships.
by stimulating
Implies provoking interest or enthusiasm, changing the focus to generating excitement.
by advocating
Suggests publicly supporting or recommending a cause or policy, shifting the focus to active promotion.
FAQs
How can I correctly use "by" with a verb like "encourage"?
Use the gerund form of the verb (e.g., "encouraging") or a related noun (e.g., "encouragement"). For example, say "by encouraging" or "through encouragement" instead of "by encourage".
What are some alternatives to "by encourage"?
You can use phrases like "by promoting", "through encouragement", or "by fostering" depending on the context.
Is "by encourage" grammatically correct?
No, "by encourage" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is either "by encouraging" or "through encouragement".
Which is correct, "by encourage" or "by encouraging"?
"By encouraging" is correct. The preposition "by" should be followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing).
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested