instill values

USAGE SUMMARY

"instill values" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of teaching someone to hold certain values highly, such as teaching a young child to value honesty, kindness, and empathy. For example, "Parents should strive to instill values of inclusivity and tolerance in their children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Instill values.

Harvard Business Review

The general mission of the Boy Scouts is clear: "To instill values in young people".

The New York Times

Ferguson speaks passionately about wanting to instill values in his players.

Harvard Business Review

Beyond developing skills and relationships, month one of Trilogy University also begins to instill values.

Harvard Business Review

They also show how to counteract such behavior and instill values that lead to better use of investment capital.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I've tried to instill values: to work hard, make money, be a good citizen," Ms. Giraldo said in Spanish, which Mr. Arbelaez translated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But the gaokao has contributed to concerns that China's education system overemphasizes rote memorization and instills values of obedience and conformity, not critical thinking.

The New York Times

A wealthy Jewish businessman shared a story with me of how he instills values in his children.

Huffington Post

Leadership is authentic self-expression that instills value in others and compels them to act.

Forbes

But the right says our educators should instill moral values, which is to say civic values, which is simply nationalistic pride".

Vice

"And we know how hard it is to instill our values in our kids, instead of the values they try to ram down our throats".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about shaping someone's character, use "instill values" to emphasize the intentional and formative nature of the process. For example, 'Parents should actively "instill values" like empathy and resilience in their children from a young age.'

Common error

Avoid using "instill values" when you simply mean providing information about values. "Instilling" implies a deeper, more transformative process that shapes behavior and beliefs, not just knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instill values" functions as a verb phrase where "instill" is the transitive verb and "values" is its direct object. It describes the action of firmly establishing particular beliefs or principles in someone's mind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

11%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instill values" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of imparting beliefs or principles. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in formal business and academic contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a transformative and intentional effort, and consider related phrases like "cultivate values" or "impart values" to capture nuances in meaning. This guide provides valuable insights for writers seeking to use the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate values

Focuses on gradual development of values over time.

inculcate values

Emphasizes persistent teaching and repetition of values.

implant values

Suggests embedding values deeply within someone.

foster values

Highlights creating an environment where values can grow.

impart values

Focuses on the transmission of values from one person to another.

encourage values

Promotes the adoption and practice of values through support.

teach values

A more straightforward and general term for conveying values.

lay values

Suggests setting values as the base

introduce values

Implies presenting values for consideration and adoption.

elicit values

Bringing values out in someone or in a group

FAQs

How can I effectively "instill values" in my children?

Lead by example, engage in open conversations about ethics and morals, and create a supportive environment where they can explore and internalize those values. Consider activities that reflect and express your family-value culture.

What does it mean to "cultivate values" vs "instill values"?

"Cultivating values" suggests a more gradual and nurturing approach, while "instilling values" implies a more direct and intentional effort to implant specific beliefs.

Is "instill values" formal or informal language?

The phrase "instill values" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the audience. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations.

What are some synonyms for "instilling values" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms such as "inculcate values", "impart values", or "foster values".