encourage a response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encourage a response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to prompt someone to reply or provide feedback, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "In our meeting, we aim to encourage a response from all participants to ensure everyone's voice is heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At one point he played a solo with mallets, using wood on rims more than felt on drums, and suddenly stopped, seeming to encourage a response from the crowd, which he received.

The New York Times - Arts

To encourage a response to the case scenario the interviewer stressed that there were no right or wrong answers.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She says letters can appear threatening, or even casual, to encourage a quick response.

The Guardian

Such wordings often encourage a positive response: this is known in the polling world as acquiescence bias.

The New York Times

After cost estimates grew to $160 million, Mr. Libeskind found a way of reducing its price tag, to encourage a positive response from the fund.

The New York Times - Arts

Duncan noted that difficulty with the French on the Agenda was predictable behavior and that the United States could encourage a French response.

The Guardian

The memory of what happened to those who did not will encourage a similar response this time.On the other hand, the Gulf war taught Saddam Hussein important lessons.

The Economist

Repeated refusals by police to release information about the scope and scale of the system were "not acceptable", and likely to encourage a public response similar to that prompted by Edward Snowden's revelations about data gathering by security services.

The Guardian

Only last Saturday Quins conceded a record 62 points at home to Exeter Chiefs but O'Shea has made eight changes and hopes the return of experienced internationals such as Joe Marler, Adam Jones, James Horwill and Tim Visser will encourage a vigorous response at the Grand Stade de Lyon as they seek to secure not just a trophy but qualification for next season's Champions' Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

Push! Crawl right up on your knees!" Songs like "March of the Pigs" typify Reznor's particular talents: lyrics and beats that are simple enough to encourage a visceral response, set against a structured noise that is strange enough to keep things from becoming too predictable.

The New Yorker

The slider bar had no numerical markings on it to encourage a unique response to each item.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to encourage a response, clearly articulate the desired action or feedback you're seeking. Ambiguity can hinder effective communication.

Common error

Avoid simply saying "we encourage a response." Instead, specify what kind of response you're looking for. For example, "We encourage feedback on the proposal by Friday" is much more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encourage a response" functions as a verb phrase that aims to stimulate or invite a reaction or feedback. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is found in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encourage a response" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to prompt feedback or reaction, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communications. When employing this phrase, clarity in specifying the desired response is key to effective communication. Alternatives include "elicit a response" or "invite a response". This overview provides a comprehensive understanding of its linguistic properties and practical usage, drawing insights from Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit a response

Focuses on drawing out a response that is already present.

invite a response

Suggests a more open and less forceful approach.

prompt a response

Implies a more direct instigation of a reaction.

foster a response

Emphasizes nurturing or cultivating a reaction over time.

stimulate a response

Highlights the action of causing a response to happen.

encourage feedback

Specifically seeks evaluative or corrective input.

solicit feedback

Formally requests comments or opinions.

inspire a reaction

Implies motivating a more emotional or creative response.

provoke a response

Suggests eliciting a potentially strong or negative reaction.

call for a response

Is a direct appeal or demand for a reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "encourage a response" in a sentence?

You can use "encourage a response" when you want to prompt someone to reply or provide feedback. For example, "The speaker paused to encourage a response from the audience".

What can I say instead of "encourage a response"?

Alternatives to "encourage a response" include "elicit a response", "invite a response", or "prompt a response", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "encourage a response" or "encourage to respond"?

"Encourage a response" is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase, while "encourage to respond" would be followed by an infinitive verb phrase. Both can be grammatically correct but used in different constructions.

What's the difference between "encourage a response" and "solicit a response"?

"Encourage a response" implies creating a welcoming environment for feedback, while "solicit a response" suggests a more direct and formal request for feedback.