encourage contemplation

USAGE SUMMARY

"encourage contemplation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to encourage someone to take the time to think deeply and reflect on the situation or topic at hand. For example, "I encourage contemplation of all the different possibilities before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Is it difficult to stay mentally alert at night, or does the quietness encourage contemplation?

The Guardian

Aided by artificial lighting, they encourage contemplation of the changing subtleties of sky and light and, if you will, their spiritual implications.

The New York Times - Arts

They are wiggly blubber on a chubby arm, and my belief is this: They are simply there, in this painting, to encourage contemplation from its audience.

The New York Times

The festival's grounds, nestled in the Berkshires, in western Massachusetts, encourage contemplation and appreciation; we're free to wander among the simple wooden buildings, peek into classes and rehearsals, lose ourselves in the archives, watch an outdoor showing by students.

The New Yorker

Designing environments that affect our mood is no new invention, of course: pyramids were built to inspire awe, monasteries to encourage contemplation, and all too often architecture has been used to instil fear and obedience in its users.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's a condition that encourages contemplation.

The New York Times

That's where Marinoff comes in: trying to free Doug from the mental trap he has built for himself, Marinoff encourages Contemplation of Eastern philosophy.

The New York Times - Magazine

(His third feature, "Distant," won the grand, or second-highest, prize at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival and had a limited release in America.) His interest in how we isolate ourselves from one another seems as simple as his visual style, which encourages contemplation rather than distraction.

The New York Times

Indeed, the cubed seats glow in a mesmerizing flocking pattern, while the overwhelming amount of data encourages contemplation.

Vice

"They offer a small discovery that may shift one's attention to an internal space, encouraging contemplation and promising restoration," explains the artist.

Vice

It's an ambient compilation more or less put together with the lofty goal of encouraging contemplation about our ephemerality, the idea that everything around us will someday fade away.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "encourage contemplation" when you want to emphasize creating an environment or suggesting activities that lead to thoughtful reflection and deeper understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "encourage contemplation" too frequently in the active voice if the subject is vague. Instead of saying "The article encourages contemplation", be specific about what the article focuses on.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encourage contemplation" functions as a verb phrase where "encourage" acts as a transitive verb and "contemplation" serves as its direct object. It indicates an action aimed at fostering a state of thoughtful consideration. As per Ludwig, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encourage contemplation" is a grammatically correct and useful expression, according to Ludwig, designed to prompt thoughtful reflection. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as scientific publications. It functions as a verb phrase aiming to motivate or facilitate deep thought, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. Alternatives include "foster reflection" and "inspire introspection", each with subtle differences in emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure specificity and avoid overuse in the active voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encourage deep thinking

Directly encourages in-depth consideration of a subject.

foster reflection

Focuses more on stimulating personal thought and introspection rather than directly promoting contemplation.

stimulate reflection

Similar to 'foster reflection', but emphasizes a more active prompting of reflective thought.

spark contemplation

Focuses on initiating or triggering contemplation.

inspire introspection

Emphasizes sparking internal self-examination and self-awareness.

promote thoughtfulness

Highlights the general act of being thoughtful and considerate.

invite consideration

Suggests a more gentle prompting or urging of something to be considered.

provoke thought

Implies a more forceful or challenging prompting of thought, often about difficult or controversial topics.

cultivate mindfulness

Centers on developing a state of present-moment awareness, which can lead to contemplation.

promote meditation

Refers specifically to promoting the practice of meditation, a specific form of contemplation.

FAQs

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

You can use "encourage contemplation" to describe actions or environments designed to promote thoughtful reflection. For example, "The quiet atmosphere of the library is designed to encourage contemplation."

What are some synonyms for "encourage contemplation"?

Alternatives to "encourage contemplation" include "foster reflection", "inspire introspection", or "promote thoughtfulness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "encourage contemplation" a formal or informal phrase?

"Encourage contemplation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often found in more thoughtful or academic writing.

What is the difference between "encourage contemplation" and "promote discussion"?

"Encourage contemplation" focuses on individual, internal reflection, while "promote discussion" emphasizes external dialogue and exchange of ideas.