is not encouraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is not encouraged' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that someone does not have permission or support to do. For example: Cheating on exams is not encouraged in this school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Talking is not encouraged.

The Economist

Exercise is not encouraged.

The New York Times - Food

She is not encouraged.

The New York Times

(Throwing the money at the cashier is not encouraged).

The New Yorker

For the show broad physical humor is not encouraged.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is not impossible, but it is not encouraged".

The New York Times

A television career is not encouraged in ethnic communities".

The Guardian

For your part, wear and tear is not encouraged.

The New York Times - Travel

But Spencer is not encouraged by the long look.

The New York Times - Sports

Expressing your opinion is not encouraged in most Arab countries.

The New York Times

Let's get one thing straight: Violence is not encouraged in hockey; physical play is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not encouraged", clearly state the reason for the discouragement to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "Excessive use of jargon is not encouraged in this report to ensure clarity for all readers."

Common error

Avoid using "is not encouraged" when a stronger, more direct prohibition is necessary. For instance, instead of saying "Unauthorized access is not encouraged", use "Unauthorized access is prohibited" to convey a clear and enforceable rule.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not encouraged" functions as a passive construction indicating discouragement but not outright prohibition. Ludwig provides examples showing it often modifies behaviors or actions within specific contexts, suggesting a preference against them.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not encouraged" serves as a nuanced way to express discouragement without imposing a strict prohibition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general guidelines. The phrase conveys a recommendation to avoid certain actions while leaving room for exceptions. While alternatives like "is discouraged" or "is not recommended" exist, "is not encouraged" strikes a balance between advising against something and allowing for discretion. Understanding this balance is key to using the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is discouraged

Replaces "encouraged" with its direct antonym, maintaining a similar level of formality and directness.

is not recommended

Shifts the focus to providing advice or guidance, suggesting that something is not the best course of action.

is frowned upon

Introduces a sense of social disapproval, implying that something is considered inappropriate or undesirable by a particular group.

is not advised

Similar to "is not recommended" but carries a slightly stronger sense of warning or caution.

is unwelcome

Focuses on the lack of acceptance or approval, suggesting that something is unwanted or undesirable.

is disapproved of

Highlights the act of disapproval, emphasizing that someone or some group does not support something.

is not supported

Shifts the focus to a lack of backing or endorsement, suggesting that something does not have the necessary resources or approval to succeed.

is disfavored

Indicates a preference against something, suggesting that it is not as desirable as other options.

is looked down upon

Similar to "is frowned upon" but implies a greater sense of social hierarchy or judgment.

is not well-received

Focuses on the negative reaction or reception that something receives, suggesting that it is not popular or appreciated.

FAQs

How can I use "is not encouraged" in a sentence?

The phrase "is not encouraged" is used to express that a particular action or behavior is disfavored, but not strictly forbidden. For example, "Cheating on exams "is not encouraged" in this school."

What's a less direct way to say "is not encouraged"?

If you want to be less direct, you could say it's "not recommended", "not advised", or that it "is frowned upon" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "is not encouraged" and "is prohibited"?

"Is not encouraged" implies a suggestion to avoid something, while "is prohibited" means something is forbidden and usually carries a penalty. Prohibited actions are against the rules, while those that are not encouraged are merely disfavored. Use them according to your goal.

What are some situations where "is not encouraged" might be used?

This phrase is appropriate in contexts where complete prohibition is either too strong or impractical. For example, "Making personal calls during work hours "is not encouraged"" allows for occasional exceptions, while a complete ban might be too strict.