instills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of gradually imparting a quality, idea, or feeling in someone. Example: "The teacher instills a love of reading in her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The very idea of not existing instills a fear that Epicurus considered to be the cause of all the passions that pain the soul and disorder human lives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While this instills discipline into their game it means the  domestic leagues are poor and makes it hard for coaches to develops teams at age-group level.

Independent

There has been much talk about how the sport has been brought into disrepute and even more about how the fundamental aspect of boxing is the way it instills discipline in its participants.

Independent

At first blush, SplashData's annual list of the 25 most common passwords — compiled from files posted online in the wake of security breaches — is not the sort of document that instills great faith in the cleverness of the online masses.

Independent

And if one can believe the evidence — a big if, since the study of photography, like the practice of writing lives, instills in one a healthy skepticism toward the notion of objective truth — she was that rarest of creatures: a sovereign artist happy with her lot as a little woman.

The New Yorker

He began each swing almost daintily, laying his bat down against the outside edge of the plate, using his left, or bottom, hand, to mark his territory before assuming the ready stance — wide, upright, half cocked — that instills fear in so many pitchers.

The New Yorker

I like how the furnace burning earth instills in me reflexive gestures of timidity and self-pity and deference as I walk along the kinder surfaces, grass, say, or sand, unable ever to meet with my eyes the gaze of the sun.

The New Yorker

In admonishing us about our distilled beverages, DeVoto instills some of that ritual Gladwell sees us lacking.

The New Yorker

The mens' defense lawyers, whom Udwin also interviews, are perhaps more offensive than their client, belying the idea that education, in a general sense, instills respect for women.

The New Yorker

His music somehow instills a sense of knowing all, each listener utterly sure of his or her response.

The New Yorker

Good therapy instills these desirable (but difficult to measure) abilities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instills", ensure the subject is capable of imparting a quality or feeling and the object is receptive to it. For example, "Mentorship instills confidence in new employees."

Common error

Avoid attributing the instilled quality to the recipient rather than the source. Instead of saying "The student instills discipline", say "The rigorous curriculum "instills" discipline in the student".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "instills" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of gradually imparting a quality, feeling, or idea into someone or something. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "instills" is a versatile transitive verb used to describe the gradual imparting of qualities, feelings, or ideas. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly within news and media contexts. While "instills" is often used in formal writing, the analysis shows it's also appropriate for more general communication, allowing for flexibility in your writing style. To enhance clarity, avoid attributing the instilled quality to the wrong source. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "imparts", "fosters", or "cultivates" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imparts

Focuses more on the act of giving or bestowing something, often knowledge or a skill.

fosters

Emphasizes nurturing and encouraging the growth of something over time.

cultivates

Implies careful and deliberate effort to develop something.

engenders

Suggests the creation or causing of a feeling or situation.

inculcates

Highlights the repetitive teaching of something until it is deeply ingrained.

infuses

Implies the introduction of a quality or element into something else.

imbues

Suggests saturating something with a particular quality or feeling.

plants

Figuratively suggests introducing an idea or belief into someone's mind.

introduces

Focuses on the initial presentation or making something known.

promotes

Highlights the active support and encouragement of something.

FAQs

How can I use "instills" in a sentence?

"Instills" is used to describe the act of gradually imparting a quality, feeling, or idea. For example, "The coach "instills" discipline in the players".

What are some alternatives to the word "instills"?

You can use alternatives such as "imparts", "fosters", or "cultivates" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "instills" and "inculcates"?

"Instills" suggests a gradual imparting, while "inculcates" implies repetitive teaching until something is deeply ingrained.

Is it correct to say "instills to" instead of "instills in"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "instills" is "in". For example, "The program "instills" a sense of responsibility in the participants" is correct.