heavily discouraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavily discouraged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is strongly advised against or not recommended. Example: "While we appreciate creativity, submitting work that is not your own is heavily discouraged in our academic environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Talk of Lord Theon Greyjoy's whereabouts, too, is heavily discouraged.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Like many other traditional dance forms, hula was heavily discouraged by missionaries and other representatives of Euro-America in the nineteenth century.

The New Yorker

Despite having been heavily discouraged by Christian missionaries and even outlawed by colonial governments during the 19th and 20th centuries, vision quest participation continued as an important cultural practice for many indigenous peoples of the early 21st century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Capitalism itself, through the relentless pressure of quarterly reports, introduces too much efficiency and socially destabilizing leverage, so you recommend a reversion to something like an Islamic banking system, in which debt-based lending is forbidden, or at least heavily discouraged.

The New Yorker

Even after the Indian prime minister trekked for a month over the Himalayas to make a treaty in 1958 eight yearss after China invaded neighbouring Tibet), Bhutan kept outside contact to a minimum: roads were built, but television was forbidden and foreign travellers heavily discouraged.

The Economist

And everyone is heavily discouraged from going off-script.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

National central banks heavily discourage the practice, but it is not illegal.

The New York Times

We heavily discourage — we even mandate — that our sales people don't go to places like spas.

The New York Times

You don't think Google would figure out some way to block (or heavily discourage) such maneuvers?

TechCrunch

"Corporate earnings are strong, but the market is wondering how to value them since a series of potential rate hikes could discount earnings more heavily and discourage growth".

Forbes

The government is particularly worried about loans secured on property, because if people get turfed out of their houses, the state will have to pick up the pieces.The government wants to discourage heavily indebted people from borrowing more.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heavily discouraged" when you want to convey a strong recommendation against a particular action or behavior. It implies that there are significant reasons to avoid it.

Common error

Avoid using "heavily discouraged" when a milder expression is more appropriate. If the situation calls for a simple suggestion or gentle nudge, opt for phrases like "not recommended" or "discouraged."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavily discouraged" functions as a verb phrase where "heavily" modifies "discouraged", intensifying the act of discouraging. The phrase is used to express a strong recommendation against a particular action or behavior. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

17%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Science

17%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "heavily discouraged" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for conveying a strong recommendation against a particular action. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for neutral to professional contexts, often appearing in news articles, encyclopedias, and business communications. When using the phrase, ensure the intensity aligns with the message you wish to communicate. Alternatives such as "strongly advised against" or "firmly opposed" offer similar levels of discouragement. Be mindful not to overuse it where a milder expression is more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strongly advised against

Focuses on advice and recommendation rather than direct discouragement.

seriously disapproved of

Highlights the negative opinion surrounding an action or behavior.

highly cautioned against

Emphasizes the potential risks and dangers involved.

firmly opposed

Indicates a clear and unwavering stance against something.

vehemently rejected

Conveys a strong and emotional dismissal of an idea or proposal.

substantially deterred

Focuses on preventing an action through significant obstacles.

significantly dissuaded

Highlights the impact of persuasion in preventing an action.

actively prevented

Emphasizes the active steps taken to stop something from happening.

powerfully dissuaded

Highlights the strength of the persuasion to not doing something.

expressly forbidden

Indicates a formal and explicit prohibition.

FAQs

What does "heavily discouraged" mean?

The phrase "heavily discouraged" means that something is strongly advised against or not recommended due to potential negative consequences or disapproval.

When should I use the phrase "heavily discouraged"?

Use "heavily discouraged" when you want to strongly advise against a particular action or behavior, indicating significant negative consequences or disapproval if it's pursued.

What are some alternatives to saying "heavily discouraged"?

You can use alternatives like "strongly advised against", "highly cautioned against", or "firmly opposed" depending on the context.

Is "heavily discouraged" different from "discouraged"?

Yes, "heavily discouraged" implies a stronger level of discouragement than simply "discouraged". It suggests that the reasons for avoiding the action are significant and should be taken seriously.