inculcate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inculcate" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to the action of teaching someone an idea or belief, often by repeating it over and over again. For example, "The parents attempted to inculcate their children with the importance of a good education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hare complains that the soaring array of deaths in the latest series of The Bridge – bodies decomposed, bodies corrupting slowly from within, bodies bashed with lamp stands – is accompanied by none of the excitement in the wider world that would be needed to inculcate any sense of realism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet as one of Japan's most powerful lobby groups it has a shopping list of nationalist, indeed blatantly revisionist, causes: applaud Japan's wartime "liberation" of East Asia from Western colonialism; rebuild the armed forces; inculcate patriotism among students brainwashed by left-wing teachers; and revere the emperor as he was worshipped in the good old days before the war.

The Economist

The fear, shame and guilt they inculcate acts as a kind of "psychic tax", reducing the demand for smoking.

The Economist

Phuntsog Namgyal of the TCV says its "prime aim" is to inculcate a sense of Tibetan identity and culture.

The Economist

Educationalists in countries such as Japan and South Korea, whose school systems are much admired by promoters of the new orthodoxy, worry that their pupils fail to develop the creativity that western schools seem to inculcate in their pupils.After Plowden, some schools were so busy trying to foster their pupils' individuality that they neglected to teach them to read or do sums.

The Economist

"But we want to inculcate business principles and ethics into policing .Previously each force, from weeny Dumfries and Galloway to hefty Strathclyde, had its own human-resources department, IT system and so forth.

The Economist

At home, it wants people to see films that will inculcate Chinese values and culture.

The Economist

Mr Abe has revised Japan's education laws to inculcate patriotism at school.

The Economist

They should inculcate some Asian business values, from restraint on executive pay to longer planning horizons.Many things could spoil this happy scenario.

The Economist

It may conceal different underlying channels of cultural transmission--some good, some bad--that are generating the overall level of correlation between generations.Of course, stickiness at the bottom isn't just a matter of failure to inculcate the values that facilitate economic success.

The Economist

Their resolve had a profound effect on Wesley, who tried to inculcate the same certainty in his flock.Or take the weakness for charismatic preachers that is one cause of Protestantism's institutional instability.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inculcate" when you want to emphasize the repeated effort involved in instilling a particular value, habit, or belief. For example, a coach might "inculcate" discipline through rigorous training sessions.

Common error

Avoid using "inculcate" when a neutral term like "teach" or "inform" is more appropriate. "Inculcate" can sometimes imply a more forceful or persuasive method of instruction, so consider whether that nuance is intended.

Linguistic Context

The verb "inculcate" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object, and describes the act of instilling an idea, habit, or attitude in someone through persistent instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inculcate" is a verb used to describe the act of instilling an idea, habit, or attitude in someone through persistent instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and is frequently used to emphasize the deliberate effort in instilling specific values. Related terms include "instill", "impart", and "indoctrinate", each with slightly different nuances. When using "inculcate", ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of repeated and deliberate instruction. Remember that while "inculcate in" and "inculcate into" are both correct, "inculcate in" is generally more common. "Inculcate" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to convey the process of instilling lasting values and beliefs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inculcate into

Explicitly denotes what is being taught or instilled.

inculcate in

Specifies the recipient of the teaching or instilling.

instill

Focuses on introducing an idea or feeling gradually into someone's mind.

implant

Suggests a more deliberate and forceful introduction of an idea or belief.

infuse

Implies permeating someone or something with a particular quality or essence.

impart

Emphasizes the act of conveying knowledge or information.

indoctrinate

Carries a connotation of teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

foster

Implies encouraging the development of something, often a positive quality.

engender

Suggests causing a feeling or idea to arise or develop.

plant

Suggests introducing something new into someone's mind, hoping that it will grow and develop.

FAQs

How do you use "inculcate" in a sentence?

You can use "inculcate" to describe teaching someone through repetition or persistent instruction. For example, "The school aims to "inculcate" a love of reading in its students."

What can I say instead of "inculcate"?

You can use alternatives like "instill", "impart", or "indoctrinate", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "inculcate in" or "inculcate into" correct?

Both "inculcate in" and "inculcate into" are acceptable, although "inculcate in" is generally more common. "Inculcate in" emphasizes the person or thing receiving the teaching, while "inculcate into" emphasizes the subject matter being taught.

What's the difference between "inculcate" and "indoctrinate"?

"Inculcate" generally refers to teaching or instilling values or beliefs through repetition, while "indoctrinate" often implies teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, sometimes with a negative connotation.