encourage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encourage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express support or motivation for someone to do something. Example: "Teachers play a vital role in encourage students to pursue their passions and interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want to promote marriage, defend marriage, encourage marriage.

The Guardian

Obama was pointing to the bipartisan effort to get the program launched in Massachusetts to encourage his opponents to stop rooting for his law's failure.

The Guardian

"You encourage democracy over time, with assistance, and aid, the traditional way.

The Economist

And as for caring about the decency (BNP supporters aside) and potential of individual voters, or genuinely acting to preserve and encourage their humanity.

The Guardian

"It's a crucial part of the vision of the institution even to be a little bit disputatious in a way, and that's something we're actively trying to seek, not as a way of shocking people for no good reason, but to encourage conversation".

The Guardian - Arts

The forum's website carries photographs of Hockey and says: "On behalf of Joe Hockey I encourage you to join the North Sydney Forum and to offer your practical support to Joe Hockey".

The Guardian

'The confidence which came from a second victory would encourage the Government to reclaim the principles it had abandoned.

The Guardian

When he wasn't tangling with his host, Pyne used the interview to encourage his colleagues to stay the course.

The Guardian

The LGAQ encourage councils to use apps but advise buying them "off the shelf" or partnering with software developers as it can be more benefitial than going it alone.

The Guardian

He also acknowledges that the SDLP has suffered from being stereotyped as the Stormont psychiatrist, trying to encourage unionists and republicans alike to analyse their problems as each new nervous breakdown hits the peace process, but sometimes missing out on a share of the glory when the crisis passes.

The Guardian

The transport minister, Theresa Villiers, said the consultation would ask whether longer franchises, of between 15 and 20 years, would encourage operators to finance improvements in in trains and services.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encourage", clearly state who or what you are encouraging, and what the desired outcome is for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "encourage" in vague or general statements. Instead, specify the action or behavior you wish to promote. For example, instead of saying "We encourage innovation", say "We encourage employees to submit innovative ideas through the new suggestion portal".

Linguistic Context

The verb "encourage" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. It conveys the act of giving someone support, confidence, or hope, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "encourage" is a grammatically sound and widely used verb that expresses support, motivation, or promotion. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to motivate action in a positive way. It is versatile, fitting into various contexts from News & Media to Formal & Business settings. Remember to use "encourage" with a clear object and desired outcome for maximum impact. Alternatives such as "motivate", "inspire", and "support" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, but the core concept remains consistent: to give someone the confidence or reason to act.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivate

Focuses more on providing a reason or incentive to act.

inspire

Implies a higher level of enthusiasm and creativity.

support

Emphasizes providing assistance and resources.

promote

Suggests actively advocating for something.

foster

Highlights nurturing and developing something over time.

stimulate

Suggests prompting or accelerating an action or process.

incentivize

Highlights providing an reward for doing something.

urge

Implies a stronger recommendation or plea.

persuade

Focuses on convincing someone through reasoning or argument.

cultivate

Suggests carefully developing or refining something.

FAQs

How can I use "encourage" in a sentence?

You can use "encourage" to express support or motivation for someone to do something. For example: "The teacher "encouraged" her students to pursue their passions".

What are some alternatives to the word "encourage"?

Some alternatives to "encourage" include "motivate", "inspire", "support", and "promote", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to use "encourage to" or "encourage in"?

The correct form is "encourage someone to do something". For example, "I "encourage" you to apply for the job" is correct, while "encourage in" is less common and context-dependent.

What's the difference between "encourage" and "persuade"?

"Encourage" means to give someone support or confidence to do something, while "persuade" means to convince someone to do something through reasoning or argument. "Encouraging" someone involves boosting their confidence; persuading involves changing their mind.