encouraged on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encouraged on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not commonly used and may lead to confusion; the correct expression would typically be "encouraged to." Example: "She was encouraged to pursue her dreams by her mentor."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was encouraged on one hand to be vocal, and then told that I talked too much, or that I talked rubbish.

The Guardian - Film

In the design process of intelligent technical systems, simultaneous and concurrent engineering is generally encouraged on the one hand, while on the other hand cooperation and coordination of the involved disciplines is required.

Procedia Technology

It was definitely way too early for those kinds of shenanigans, as well as the ones encouraged on the plane, what with all the cases of Red Stripe opened aboard.

Vice

"We are encouraged on a number of fronts," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Dancing is encouraged on all surfaces, bars included.

The New York Times - Travel

I gather that improvisation is not encouraged on the Mad Men set.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Why cannot bamboo be recognized as a building material and its use encouraged on a large scale?

The New York Times

She not only admired the high standards of education here but the freedom of expression allowed and encouraged on campus.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Moreover, at a time when some increasingly regimented coaches frowned on self-expression, he actively encouraged on-pitch improvisation.

The Guardian - Sport

Complex tasks emphasizing project-based, constructivist learning encouraged on-task laptop use, as opposed to recitation or drill-and-practice tasks that led to off-task usage (Mouza, 2008).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

UPDATE: 4 00 p.m. -- According to an email obtained by TVNewser, a GLAAD executive encouraged on-air personalities and staffers from Fox News to attend the event.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to convey that someone received support or motivation, use the phrase "encouraged to" followed by a verb. This is the standard and grammatically correct form.

Common error

Avoid using "encouraged on" as it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "encouraged to". For example, instead of "He was encouraged on taking the course", write "He was encouraged to take the course".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encouraged on" functions as a passive construction where an action or state is promoted or supported. Despite its existence in various sources, it is considered grammatically questionable, as Ludwig suggests.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "encouraged on" appears across various sources, Ludwig flags it as grammatically incorrect, advising the use of "encouraged to" instead. The phrase attempts to convey support or motivation but lacks grammatical correctness. Although it's somewhat common, predominantly in news and media contexts, aiming for precision suggests opting for alternatives like "motivated to" or "supported in", depending on the intended meaning. Always verify grammatical accuracy to ensure clear and credible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encouraged to

This is the grammatically correct and most direct replacement for "encouraged on", focusing on the action being encouraged.

supported in

Emphasizes the provision of assistance and resources, suggesting a more active form of encouragement.

motivated to

Focuses on the instigation of a desire or willingness to act, highlighting internal drive.

prompted to

Suggests a more direct and immediate instigation, often in response to a specific cue.

advised to

Implies the provision of counsel or recommendations, emphasizing guidance.

urged to

Conveys a strong and insistent recommendation, often indicating a sense of urgency.

inspired to

Highlights the emotional or intellectual stimulation that leads to action.

given incentive to

Focuses on the provision of rewards or advantages to promote a desired behavior.

persuaded to

Implies the use of reasoning or argumentation to convince someone to take action.

empowered to

Emphasizes the granting of authority or ability to act, highlighting self-determination.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "encouraged" with an infinitive?

The correct construction is "encouraged to + verb". For example, "She was "encouraged to apply" for the scholarship" is correct, while "She was encouraged on applying" is not.

What are some alternatives to "encouraged to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "motivated to", "supported in", or "urged to" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "encouraged on" ever correct?

While rare, "encouraged on" might be used in non-standard or informal contexts, however Ludwig AI flags it as not correct. To ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy, it's best to use "encouraged to".

How can I avoid mistakes when using "encourage"?

Always double-check that you're using the correct preposition ("to" instead of "on") when followed by a verb. Pay attention to the context and consider if alternative words like "motivate", "support", or "urge" might be more appropriate.