incentive for

USAGE SUMMARY

"incentive for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that motivates a person or group to do something. For example: "The new bonus system was an incentive for employees to work harder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"He has no incentive for restraint".

The New York Times

"This is a great incentive for patriotism.

The Guardian

There is no financial incentive for them.

The Guardian

It creates less incentive for innovation.

The New York Times

"That's a massive incentive for people.

The Guardian

But it's no incentive for academic brilliance.

The New York Times

These students had extra incentive for such a debate.

The New York Times

There's an incentive for the project cost to get bigger".

The New York Times

Defenses can strengthen deterrence by reducing the incentive for proliferation.

The New York Times

Developers argue that patents are a vital incentive for research.

The New York Times

LSD provided much of the incentive for the adventure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incentive for", ensure that the object of the preposition is clearly defined. For example, specify what the incentive is intended to encourage, such as "incentive for innovation" or "incentive for early adoption".

Common error

Avoid using "incentive for" when the incentive doesn't directly relate to the action or goal. The connection between the incentive and the desired outcome should be evident. For example, avoid saying 'There's an incentive for happiness' unless the specific incentive that promotes happiness is clearly outlined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incentive for" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun, indicating a motivating reason or encouragement for a specific action or outcome. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples showcasing its prevalence in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incentive for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that describes a motivating reason or encouragement for a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides ample examples from reputable sources. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the relationship between the incentive and the desired outcome is clear. Alternatives like "motivation for" or "stimulus for" can be used to add variety to your writing. Overall, "incentive for" is a reliable and versatile phrase for expressing reasons and motivations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivation for

Changes the noun while retaining the core meaning of providing a reason to do something.

stimulus for

Replaces "incentive" with a word emphasizing something that rouses or encourages activity.

reason for

Offers a more general term indicating the cause or justification for an action.

inducement to

Uses a more formal term for persuading or leading someone to do something.

catalyst for

Emphasizes the role of something that speeds up or triggers an event or action.

impetus for

Highlights the driving force or initial energy behind an action or process.

encouragement for

Focuses on the act of giving support, confidence, or hope to someone.

spur to

Uses a more direct term for something that prompts or urges action.

stimulant to

Similar to stimulus, but can refer more generally to something that increases activity.

basis for

Indicates the underlying principle or foundation that supports an action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "incentive for" in a sentence?

You can use "incentive for" to describe something that motivates or encourages a particular action or behavior. For instance, "The bonus serves as an incentive for employees to increase their productivity."

What are some alternatives to "incentive for"?

Alternatives to "incentive for" include "motivation for", "reason for", or "stimulus for", each carrying slightly different connotations depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "incentive to" instead of "incentive for"?

While "incentive to" can sometimes be used, "incentive for" is generally preferred when referring to a more general purpose or goal. "Incentive to" typically implies a direct action. For example, "incentive to participate" vs "incentive for participation".

What's the difference between "incentive for" and "impetus for"?

"Incentive for" refers to something that motivates or encourages, while "impetus for" suggests something that provides the initial driving force or momentum for an action. Impetus often implies a more immediate or forceful push.