foster

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "foster" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning "to promote the growth and development of," as a noun meaning "one that fosters, especially a person who cares temporarily for a child of others," and as an adjective meaning "serving to promote growth and development". Example: The foster parents provided a warm, loving environment for the orphaned child.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He had been anxious to foster good relations between the grouse shoot, bird lovers and the local community.

The Guardian

Our expert tutor and small class size foster a friendly and supportive atmosphere which will encourage you to try news ideas and test the boundaries of your creativity.

The Guardian

But that's just functional communication, whereas we want to foster real conversations.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's why The Fostering Network is developing innovative approaches to foster care, such as our Head, Heart, Hands programme, which focus on giving foster carers the skills and resilience to work through difficult times with the young people they are fostering.

The Guardian

And to what extent might nurturing such a culture reduce the need for ghostwriters and foster more pride in developing our writing selves?

The Guardian

She believes the internet can help foster solutions to social problems through a myriad of small schemes and initiatives, but only if it remains accessible – and safe – for everyone.

The Guardian

An open letter from the team asking the fans to accept that it might take some new arrivals a little longer "to adapt to the German mentality and lifestyle" was either an earnest attempt to foster integration or a cynical, Magath-led ploy to shift the blame from the obsessive wheeler-dealer manager to the foreign recruits.

The Guardian - Sport

More dangerous, perhaps, is the complacency or fatalism that a reliance on genes can foster.

The Guardian - Opinion

Who believes that we'd be appeasing the Saudis, who do more to foster Islamic fundamentalism than any other group in the world – if they didn't have oil?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fostering services throughout the UK are struggling to find enough foster carers for teenagers.

The Guardian

Related: Going into care: 'We used to watch Tracy Beaker, so I thought I knew what it'd be like' That's why it's so important that fostering services find the right foster home for each child, first time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foster", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are trying to nurture or promote. Be specific about the intended outcome or benefit.

Common error

Avoid using "foster" in contexts where a more specific verb would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "foster growth" in a financial context, consider "drive growth" or "stimulate expansion".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foster" is as a verb, signifying the act of nurturing, promoting, or encouraging growth and development. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correctly used English word that serves to illustrate intentional cultivation, as evidenced by examples found in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foster" is a versatile term that primarily functions as a verb, denoting the act of nurturing, promoting, or supporting growth. According to Ludwig AI, this term is grammatically correct and widely applicable in written English. Its usage is especially prevalent in news, formal business settings, and scientific contexts, suggesting its neutrality and professional appeal. Alternative phrases like "nurture", "cultivate", and "promote" offer nuanced variations, while it's crucial to avoid overly broad applications. As confirmed by the Ludwig examples provided, it is important to ensure context when using "foster" in order to achieve desired communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nurture

Focuses more on the act of caring and tending to something's growth.

Cultivate

Emphasizes the deliberate act of developing something over time.

Promote

Highlights the act of actively encouraging something to advance or succeed.

Encourage

Focuses on giving support or confidence to someone or something.

Develop

Stresses the gradual growth or evolution of something.

Support

Emphasizes the act of providing assistance or resources.

Advance

Suggests moving something forward or helping it progress.

Stimulate

Focuses on encouraging activity or development.

Facilitate

Emphasizes making something easier or more likely to happen.

Incite

Suggests provoking or stirring up a particular action or emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "foster" in a sentence?

You can use "foster" to describe nurturing growth or development, such as, "The program aims to "foster creativity" in young children" or "We need to "foster better relationships" with our clients".

What are some synonyms for "foster"?

Alternatives to "foster" include "nurture", "cultivate", "promote", and "encourage". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "foster care"?

Yes, "foster care" is a correct and commonly used term referring to the temporary care provided to children by someone other than their parents.

How does "foster" differ from "adopt"?

"Foster" implies temporary care, while "adopt" signifies taking legal and permanent responsibility for a child as one's own.