counter incentives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counter incentives" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors or measures that oppose or negate certain incentives, often in economic or behavioral contexts. Example: "The company implemented counter incentives to discourage employees from taking excessive sick leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

Energy Policy

Human Resources for Health

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is shown that, as the electricity and transport fuel markets begin to converge, examination of the effects of different policy measures through the value-led model can highlight otherwise hidden counter incentives.

Energy Policy

Efforts to increase the service delivery outputs of MNCH CHWs will need to counter incentives CHWs have to devote time to alternative, and often more lucrative, income-generating opportunities.

Human Resources for Health

On the other hand, if patients rely on their physician's recommendations in choosing hospitals [ 8], and to the degree that physicians can assess clinical quality, albeit imperfectly, hospitals are faced with counter incentives, incentives that would promote resource use in clinical activities rather than hotel services.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Opening a new business in Greece is well nigh impossible; closing one is somewhat easier.Greek companies are constrained by a raft of what locals call "counter-incentives"—laws and bureaucratic hurdles that make it hard to do business.

The Economist

And the market doesn't create counter-incentives that would push us in a responsible direction, since someone who drives a Hummer doesn't suffer the effects of pollution and global warming any more than someone driving a Prius does, and isn't charged more for the extra environmental damage.

The New Yorker

By presenting Moscow with a counter-incentive, threatening to act alone if Moscow does not use its influence to bring an end to the conflict, the United States could demonstrate that it is serious about engagement.

The New York Times

The Applications Business will own critical applications like Office and will have market incentives to make those applications available for alternative operating systems (e.g., Office for Linux) without the counter-incentive -- when owned by the same company that owns the Windows monopoly -- to deprive alternative operating systems of the complements needed to be successful.

The New York Times

Fear of failure, complacency, and fear of change are common counter-incentives.

Forbes

But there are also "counter-incentives" that prevent people from changing; they are the "parking brakes" on a car.

Forbes

Whatever the situation is, examine what naturally motivates a person to change (not what you think should motivate them) as well as their counter-incentives to not change.

Forbes

"Instead of simple and cost-effective regulations to counter distorted incentives that harm the economy, regulators have devised extremely complex regulations that may not bring enough benefit to justify the costs but will allow the pretence of action," she said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "counter incentives", ensure that the context clearly defines which incentives are being countered and why. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "counter incentives" automatically imply negative consequences. Clearly state the desired outcome of countering the incentives to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counter incentives" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, referring to measures or factors that oppose or negate existing incentives. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "counter incentives" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe actions that offset or negate existing incentives. While relatively rare in occurrence, according to Ludwig it is usable and correct in written English. It appears in various contexts including science, news and media, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, be sure to clarify which incentives are being countered and the intended outcome. Alternatives like "neutralize incentives" or "opposing incentives" may also be suitable depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid assuming negative consequences and focus on the specific scope of what is being countered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

counteracting incentives

Directly expresses the action of opposing or neutralizing incentives.

neutralize incentives

This alternative emphasizes the effect of making incentives ineffective or harmless.

counter inducements

Uses "inducements" as a synonym for incentives, maintaining a formal tone.

tackle incentives

Implies a direct approach to managing or addressing incentives.

address incentives

Suggests dealing with or managing incentives, often to mitigate negative effects.

addressing incentives

Similar to "address incentives" but in gerund form, emphasizing the process.

fight incentives

Conveys a strong sense of opposition to certain incentives.

oppose incentives

States a clear disagreement or resistance to incentives.

fighting incentives

Similar to "fight incentives" but in gerund form, emphasizing the active struggle.

suppress incentives

Focuses on preventing incentives from having their intended effect.

FAQs

How can "counter incentives" be used in a sentence?

You can use "counter incentives" to describe measures taken to offset or negate existing incentives. For example, "The company implemented counter incentives to discourage excessive sick leave."

What's a simple way to define "counter incentives"?

"Counter incentives" are actions or policies designed to oppose or neutralize existing incentives, often to achieve a different or more balanced outcome.

Are there any synonyms for "counter incentives"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "neutralize incentives", "offsetting incentives", or "opposing incentives" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "counter incentives"?

It's appropriate when you want to specifically highlight the act of opposing or balancing existing incentives, rather than simply introducing disincentives. Use it when you need to show a direct relationship or reaction to an initial set of incentives.