less encourage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less encourage" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "less encouraging"? If this is the case, you can use it when describing a situation or feedback that is not very supportive or positive. Example: "The results of the survey were less encouraging than we had hoped for."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Usually intended to validate broad protocols with mandates to meet fixed goals, they induce fear of failure and rarely allow — much less encourage — experimentation.

The New York Times

This is particularly true in parts of the global south, where urban planning struggles to even keep up with basic use – much less encourage gender equality.

The Guardian

These novels are constructed as efficient, relentless terror- generating machines, and as such don't require (much less encourage) the reader to think about the sources of the florid homicidal rage they put on display.

The New York Times - Books

Some of our peers in the Middle East have difficulty comprehending this concept: Why would we allow, much less encourage, intellectual independence in our workforce, especially among younger employees, they want to know.

Huffington Post

All major world religions more or less encourage their followers to act with love and kindness towards others, so if you're looking for inspiration in moments when it's difficult to love another person, turn to your religion's scriptures.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Nationwide, the story is less encouraging.

The New York Times

Former American diplomats were less encouraged.

The New York Times - Magazine

The details, however, are less encouraging.

The Economist

But Google Street View was less encouraging.

The New York Times

Here the picture is less encouraging.

The Guardian

But the true picture is less encouraging.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "less encourage" in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "less encouraging" or other more suitable synonyms depending on the context.

Common error

Be cautious when directly combining "less" with verbs like "encourage". The adverb "less" typically modifies adjectives or other adverbs. To correctly express a reduction in encouragement, consider using "less encouraging" (adjective) or restructuring the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less encourage" functions as an attempt to express a reduced degree of encouragement or support. However, it's grammatically flawed, as "less" should modify an adjective (e.g., "less encouraging") rather than directly modifying the verb. Examples from Ludwig showcase instances where this construction is used, though often incorrectly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less encourage" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. While Ludwig provides some examples of its usage, these instances do not validate its correctness. It's intended meaning revolves around a reduction in encouragement or support. For formal communication, it's advisable to use grammatically correct alternatives such as "less encouraging", "discourage", or other contextually appropriate synonyms. As Ludwig AI points out, "less encourage" does not follow standard grammar rules, and should be avoided in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discourage

Single word replacement; conveys the opposite of encourage, implying a reduction in motivation.

inhibit

Similar to discourage, but focuses on preventing or slowing down an action or feeling.

dampen enthusiasm

More descriptive; it specifies that enthusiasm is being reduced.

reduce motivation

Focuses on diminishing the drive or reason to do something.

undermine confidence

Highlights the erosion of belief in one's abilities or the certainty of a positive outcome.

offer limited support

Emphasizes the lack of assistance or backing provided.

give little incentive

Focuses on providing minimal motivation or inducement.

not foster

Suggests a failure to nurture or promote development.

impede progress

Indicates something is slowing down or obstructing advancement.

hinder growth

Similar to impeding progress, but more specifically relates to preventing expansion or development.

FAQs

Is "less encourage" grammatically correct?

No, "less encourage" is not grammatically correct. A more appropriate phrasing would be "less encouraging" or using a different verb like "discourage".

What does "less encourage" mean?

While grammatically incorrect, "less encourage" attempts to convey a reduction in support or motivation. More precise alternatives include "less encouraging", "discourage", or "inhibit".

How can I use "encourage" with "less" correctly?

Use "less" to modify the adjective form of encourage, resulting in the phrase "less encouraging". For example, "The news was less encouraging than we hoped".

What are some alternatives to "less encourage"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "discourage", "inhibit", or phrases like "dampen enthusiasm" or "reduce motivation".