encourage an understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encourage an understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the promotion of comprehension or awareness about a particular topic or issue. Example: "The workshop aims to encourage an understanding of environmental sustainability among participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Tommie Williams, the Georgia Senate majority leader and sponsor of the bill, said the law was intended to encourage an understanding of the Bible's myriad cultural influences.

The New York Times

While the request for proposals does not insist that the rides remain, it does encourage an understanding of the "memories and emotional connections since 1928".

The New York Times

We need to encourage an understanding among educators, students and the wider community that an undergraduate science degree can be applied to many different contexts, jobs, industries and situations.

The Guardian

The question is whether this song will actually encourage an understanding of what's happening in west Africa and build towards the political solutions needed, or whether it will simply reinforce tired and unhelpful stereotypes.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this context although the map is not the terrain, we argue that an educational intervention guided by critical social theory principles has the potential to encourage an understanding of empowerment and 'holds the key' to future advances for its implementation within epilepsy services.

Epilepsy & Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Incorporating reflective activities is important to encourage an understanding-oriented approach.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

My use of the blogging website Tumblr, in particular, encouraged an understanding of my inner self in a way that my geographical community couldn't immediately satisfy.

The Guardian - Opinion

More than any other music, jazz encourages an understanding of opposing energies in productive harmony: individual and collective, composed and improvised, past and present, hot and cool.

The New York Times - Arts

Quality childcare helps support broader health and wellbeing by reducing poverty and social exclusion, reducing stress and isolation, supporting parenting, encouraging an understanding of good nutrition and healthy diets, promoting physical activity and reducing child accidents.

The Guardian

Comparing these observations encourages an understanding of why the levels of PBDEs appear to be increasing while the broader category of organohalogens appears to be decreasing.

Environmental Health Perspectives

We need to work together to encourage a better understanding of mental health, and in the process, to embrace a culture of understanding and support for those who suffer.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encourage an understanding", clearly define what concept or subject you want the audience to understand. Specificity improves the effectiveness of your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "encourage an understanding" without specifying the subject matter. A vague statement lacks impact and may confuse the audience. Always clarify what needs to be understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encourage an understanding" functions as a verb phrase often used to describe the act of promoting or fostering comprehension. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used across various contexts to highlight efforts aimed at facilitating awareness and knowledge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "encourage an understanding" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe efforts to promote comprehension and awareness. Ludwig shows it is applicable in various contexts, including news, science, and education. While versatile, it’s crucial to specify what exactly needs to be understood to avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "foster an understanding" or "promote an understanding" offer subtle variations in emphasis. The phrase functions neutrally and, as confirmed by Ludwig, is considered standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foster an understanding

Replaces "encourage" with "foster", emphasizing nurturing and development of understanding.

promote an understanding

Uses "promote" instead of "encourage", focusing on actively advancing understanding.

cultivate an understanding

Emphasizes careful development of understanding over time.

develop an understanding

Focuses on the process of growth and expansion of comprehension.

inspire an understanding

Suggests motivation and enthusiasm in achieving understanding.

facilitate an understanding

Highlights making the process of understanding easier.

stimulate an understanding

Focuses on initiating or arousing understanding.

advance an understanding

Suggests moving understanding forward or improving it.

instill an understanding

Emphasizes the act of gradually but firmly establishing understanding.

create an awareness

Shifts focus from deep comprehension to a general recognition or consciousness.

FAQs

How can I use "encourage an understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "encourage an understanding" to describe efforts to promote comprehension. For example, "The program aims to encourage an understanding of climate change among students."

What are some alternatives to "encourage an understanding"?

Alternatives include "foster an understanding", "promote an understanding", or "cultivate an understanding", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "encourage understanding" or "promote understanding"?

Both "encourage understanding" and "promote understanding" are correct. The choice depends on context; "encourage" implies inspiring or supporting, while "promote" suggests actively advancing comprehension.

What is the difference between "encourage a better understanding" and "encourage an understanding"?

"Encourage a better understanding" implies improving an existing understanding, whereas "encourage an understanding" suggests fostering comprehension from the beginning. Consider using the former when there is some existing base of knowledge and the latter when there is none.