inculcating

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inculcating" is correct and used in written English.
You can use it to mean to teach something persistently and thoroughly. For example: The teacher was inculcating the importance of proper grammar to the students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Europe has tried mercantilism, militarism and inculcating youths with angry nationalism.

The Economist

And the old practice of inculcating school-children with Orthodox Christian doctrine is giving way to something more like "religious studies" as classrooms fill up with migrants from places ranging from Albania to China.And for several reasons, a Syriza-led government would hold probably hold back from a head-on confrontation with the church.

The Economist

Emotional health might be enhanced by inculcating virtues like resilience more energetically at school.

The Economist

But if political leaders want schools to be better at inculcating new ways of thinking, they may have to rethink their attachment to those much-vaunted Asian values.

The Economist

Mr Agata, one of the firm's manufacturing experts, regards his job as inculcating the virtues of the TPS in a younger generation.

The Economist

But the spectacle of a few young British Muslims heading for Afghanistan to fight for the Taliban, and rather more of them expressing their support, has made the idea of inculcating a sense of citizenship seem more urgent.

The Economist

More and more countries are worrying whether they are inculcating the right skills.For decades foreigners teaching in the region have criticised (or admired) the docile obedience of their pupils, their propensity to rote learning and their reluctance to ask questions.

The Economist

In the south Asian culture in which he was raised, the politician adds, punishment wasn't so much to do with religion as such; it was a way of inculcating obedience.

The Economist

They have concentrated on inculcating aspiration in bright students from schools with little or no history of sending pupils to Oxford or Cambridge.

The Economist

Special courses are to be taught in schools inculcating a new national identity.

The Economist

Once in office, he seems to have calculated that Japan would chug happily along, leaving him to pursue pet nationalist themes such as inculcating patriotism in schools.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inculcating", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being instilled and in whom. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While "inculcating" is a valid word, it can sound overly formal or academic in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "teaching" or "instilling" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inculcating" is as a present participle or gerund form of the verb "inculcate". It often functions as part of a verb phrase or as a noun modifying another word, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academic

8%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inculcating" is a grammatically sound term that describes the deliberate instilling of values, knowledge, or attitudes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correctly used in a variety of written contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. While versatile, remember that its formality might make it less appropriate for casual settings, where alternatives like "teaching" or "instilling" may be more suitable. When writing with "inculcating", clarity is key: ensure that both what is being instilled and the recipient are clearly defined. Overall, "inculcating" is a valuable term for expressing the intentional shaping of beliefs and behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instilling

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

imparting

Emphasizes the act of giving or bestowing knowledge or skills.

infusing

Highlights the process of filling something or someone with a particular quality or essence.

instilling values

Specifically refers to implanting a set of beliefs or principles.

fostering

Suggests nurturing and developing something over time.

cultivating

Implies careful development and refinement.

teaching

A general term for imparting knowledge or skills.

indoctrinating

Carries a connotation of forcefully teaching or instilling a specific ideology.

impressing upon

Emphasizes making a lasting impact on someone's mind.

mentoring

Suggests guiding and advising someone, especially in their career or personal development.

FAQs

How can I use "inculcating" in a sentence?

You can use "inculcating" to describe the process of instilling values, habits, or attitudes in someone through persistent instruction. For example, "The school aims at "inculcating a sense of responsibility" in its students."

What are some alternatives to "inculcating"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "instilling", "imparting", or "fostering". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "inculcating" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "inculcating" is generally more suitable for formal or academic writing. In everyday conversation, simpler terms like "teaching" or "instilling" may sound more natural.

What is the difference between "inculcating" and "teaching"?

"Inculcating" implies a deeper, more persistent effort to instill values or habits, whereas "teaching" is a more general term for imparting knowledge or skills. You "inculcate values", but you teach facts.