encouraging to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encouraging to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something provides motivation or support to someone or something. Example: "The feedback from my mentor was very encouraging to my progress in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's encouraging to young people".

The New York Times

It was encouraging to see her sneer like an adolescent.

The New Yorker

"It was definitely encouraging to know that was out there".

The New York Times

Mr. Pals's conclusion may have been encouraging to Mr. Romney.

The New York Times

All of which is encouraging to the Boks.

The New York Times

"It is encouraging to be with such people.

The Guardian - Film

It is encouraging to see developments such as these.

The Guardian

Those baby steps are encouraging to some.

Science Magazine

This should be encouraging to Zenefits.

TechCrunch

Very encouraging to see partnerships between corrections and academia.

Health & Justice

The trend is encouraging to politicians and policy wonks.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "encouraging to" when you want to highlight the positive impact of something on someone's motivation or confidence. This usage emphasizes the boost in morale or drive provided by the encouraging factor.

Common error

Avoid using "encouraging to" in situations where the focus is on direct action or instruction. The phrase is better suited for conveying a sense of motivation rather than specific guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encouraging to" primarily functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something provides motivation, support, or hope. This is supported by the examples in Ludwig, which show the phrase used to describe various situations and outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "encouraging to" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express that something provides motivation or support. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in news, media and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, make sure that it is clear who or what is being encouraged, and that the focus is on providing motivation rather than direct instruction. Alternatives such as "motivational for", "inspiring for", and "supportive of" can be used depending on the specific context. As a final point, it's worth noting that "encouraging to" maintains a neutral register and can be used in various formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Motivational for

Focuses on the act of motivating, shifting the emphasis slightly from the result to the action.

Inspiring for

Suggests a higher level of motivation, often associated with creativity and innovation.

Supportive of

Highlights the act of providing assistance and backing, rather than direct motivation.

Reassuring to

Emphasizes the reduction of anxiety and building of confidence.

Uplifting for

Indicates a positive emotional effect, raising spirits and morale.

Heartening to

Signifies a warm, comforting feeling of encouragement.

Promising for

Highlights the potential for positive outcomes and future success.

Favorable for

Suggests advantageous circumstances or conditions.

Beneficial to

Emphasizes the advantages and positive effects.

Helpful for

Focuses on providing practical assistance and ease.

FAQs

How can I use "encouraging to" in a sentence?

Use "encouraging to" to show that something gives someone motivation or hope. For example: "The positive feedback was very encouraging to the team."

What are some alternatives to "encouraging to"?

You can use alternatives such as "motivational for", "inspiring for", or "supportive of" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "encouraging to" and "encouraging for"?

While both can be used, "encouraging to" emphasizes the recipient of the encouragement, whereas "encouraging for" focuses on the situation or purpose. For example, "It's encouraging to see progress" vs. "The progress is encouraging for the future".

When is it more appropriate to use "reassuring to" instead of "encouraging to"?

"Reassuring to" is more appropriate when the primary effect is to reduce anxiety or uncertainty, while "encouraging to" is used when the aim is to boost motivation and confidence. For instance, "The test results were reassuring to the patient" versus "The coach's words were encouraging to the athletes".