incentives

USAGE SUMMARY

"incentives" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that encourages someone to do something, such as an offer, reward, or bonus. For example, "The company offered cash incentives for employees who met the sales targets for the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The MoD's own Gray review spoke of "toxic incentives" to overspend on weapons systems.

The Guardian - Opinion

This has sometimes meant taking on the vested interests of the medical profession, and Seddon's description of SalaUna suggests that power lies with the managers of the business, who use contracts, incentives, data and dismissal as tools to shape the behaviour of clinicians.

The Guardian

It must be efficient - by using carbon markets to provide incentives to reduce emissions.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a 2002 pamphlet they argued that pupils should be funded on an individual basis, with schools given incentives to accept those from less privileged backgrounds.

The Guardian

It will include introducing feed-in tariffs to enable households to claim guaranteed cash back when they generate their own electricity, and incentives for renewable heat such as solar power.

The Guardian - Opinion

This week David Cameron said the government was "going all out for shale" and announced financial incentives for councils and local communities, labelled bribes by opponents.

The Guardian

Your boyfriend is offering you both these incentives to get better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For conservatives, incentives buck the free market and could undermine New Jersey's prospects for legitimate tax reform.

The Guardian

During Chris Christie's first term as governor, he made tax incentives a cornerstone of a promised "New Jersey comeback" that would lure new businesses to the state.

The Guardian

There are, without doubt, great swaths of medical care in which the providers should be motivated by the public-sector ethos rather than by the incentives of commercial enterprise.

The Guardian

But May claims the last word: "The MSC gives incentives and maintains pressure to improve conditions; we're not about certifying perfection".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid unintended consequences, carefully consider the potential downsides of any incentive program. Ensure that "incentives" are not so narrowly focused that they discourage other important aspects of performance or lead to unethical behavior.

Common error

Avoid designing "incentives" based solely on easily quantifiable metrics. This can lead to neglecting qualitative factors or creating loopholes that undermine the overall objectives. A balanced approach is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The term "incentives" primarily functions as a noun, typically used in the plural form. It denotes inducements or motivating factors designed to encourage specific actions or behaviors. As supported by Ludwig, the term is commonly used in various contexts to describe different types of motivation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incentives" functions primarily as a noun referring to inducements or motivating factors. Its purpose is to persuade or encourage specific actions, and its formality varies depending on the context, as also stated by Ludwig. This word is very common, appearing frequently in news and media, business, and scientific domains. For alternative expressions, consider "inducements", "motivators", or "rewards" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivators

This term refers to something that causes a person to act.

inducements

This emphasizes the act of persuading or leading someone to do something, often with a specific offer or promise.

rewards

This focuses on the tangible or intangible benefits received as a consequence of desired behavior.

motivating factors

This alternative highlights the underlying drivers that compel someone to act, focusing on the psychological aspect of motivation.

encouragements

This term suggests a supportive and positive influence that inspires confidence and willingness.

stimuli

This refers to factors that provoke or trigger a response, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship.

sweeteners

This term refers to something that makes an offer more attractive, often used in business contexts.

perks

This refers to extra benefits or advantages, often associated with a job or position.

carrots

This is an informal term that refers to benefits offered to get someone to do something.

advantages

This term refers to benefits or gains, often used in a broader sense than "incentives".

FAQs

How can I use "incentives" in a sentence?

You can use "incentives" to refer to inducements or motivations for specific actions. For example, "The company offers performance-based "bonuses" as incentives for employees to exceed their targets."

What are some alternatives to saying "incentives"?

Depending on the context, you can use "inducements", "motivators", "rewards", or "stimuli" as alternatives to "incentives".

What's the difference between "incentives" and "rewards"?

"Incentives" are proactive measures designed to encourage specific behaviors, while "rewards" are given after the desired behavior has occurred. Incentives aim to motivate future actions, while rewards acknowledge past achievements.

Are "incentives" always monetary?

No, "incentives" can be either monetary (e.g., bonuses, pay raises) or non-monetary (e.g., recognition, promotions, flexible work arrangements). The most effective "motivators" often combine both types of incentives.