engage

USAGE SUMMARY

Engage is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb, meaning to take part in or initiate an activity or conversation, or to cause someone to do or become involved in something. Example Sentence: The organization is engaging local communities in fundraising efforts to support their cause.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The purpose of this project was to start a conversation with young people and engage them in making something – we now have nearly 50,000 of them to date.

The Guardian

Director Sarah Maldoror studied in Moscow, worked on the classic The Battle of Algiers, then grabbed African cinema by the scruff of the neck, forcing it to engage with feminism, loss and movie aesthetics.

The Guardian - Film

An eight-month inquiry by the all party group on mindfulness found frontline public servants could be less likely to fall ill with stress, or quit altogether, if they engage in the increasingly popular meditation practice which involves increasing awareness of the present moment to help control anxiety and depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In response Gleeson gave an undertaking to the court not to engage in "any actions involving the surrender or delivery to custody of the Sri Lankan military or its delegates" without 72 hours' written notice.

The Guardian

Lady Warsi, who resigned from the government in August over Gaza, delivered a blistering critique last month of the approach towards Britain's Muslims, warning that failure to engage properly with communities across the UK has created a climate of suspicion and undermined the fight against extremism.

The Guardian

The French president, François Hollande asked western and Arab countries to engage "clearly, loyally and strongly on the side of the Iraqi authorities".

The Guardian

But now, participants can see and engage with their energy use.

The Guardian

Then engage your top team to create a shared vision.

The Guardian

That's my form of policy concept research which you can engage with through the Avid social media channels, publications and reports.

The Guardian - Opinion

I intend to engage and issue guidance to manufacturers, retailers, installers and users to address core concerns.

The Guardian

He insists he will not engage in any in-your-face evangelising, disturbing those who go to the pub for a quiet pint on a Monday: "I'm not looking to bother anybody.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "engage", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Choose synonyms like "participate" or "involve" to refine your meaning and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "engage" repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms to maintain reader interest and demonstrate writing skill.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "engage" is as a verb. It denotes actions such as participating, involving, or attracting. Ludwig highlights various examples showing its use in contexts ranging from social interaction to mechanical operations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engage" functions primarily as a verb, denoting actions that involve participation, interaction, or attraction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across numerous contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, business, and scientific settings, maintaining a neutral register. To enhance writing, consider context-specific synonyms to avoid overuse. Avoid overusing "engage" and vary your vocabulary to maintain reader interest. Overall, "engage" is a versatile and frequently used term suitable for diverse communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

participate

Focuses on taking part in an activity or event.

involve oneself

Emphasizes active participation and immersion.

take part

Highlights being one of the participants.

immerse yourself

Suggests complete dedication and focus.

get involved

Implies becoming active in an activity or cause.

enter into

Suggests formally beginning a process or activity.

become active in

Emphasizes taking a proactive role.

throw oneself into

Implies enthusiastically dedicating oneself.

dedicate oneself to

Highlights committing time and effort.

interact with

Focuses on reciprocal action between parties.

FAQs

How can I use "engage" in a sentence?

You can use "engage" in a sentence to mean to participate or involve someone or something. For example, "The company seeks to "engage customers" through social media campaigns."

What are some alternatives to the word "engage"?

Alternatives to "engage" include words like "participate", "involve", "interact", or "connect", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "engage with" or simply "engage"?

Both "engage with" and "engage" can be correct, depending on the context. "Engage with" often implies interaction or involvement, while "engage" can mean to participate or occupy. For example, "Engage with the audience" versus "engage in a conversation".

What's the difference between "engage" and "involve"?

"Engage" often implies active participation or drawing someone into something, while "involve" suggests including someone as a necessary part of something. For instance, "engage employees in a project" versus "involve employees in decision-making".