Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
nudge
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"nudge" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a subtle reminder or friendly encouragement. For example, "My mom gave me a nudge to apply for college scholarships."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
However, the Nobel committee's citation said the prize was a more general one, to mark "its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons" and nudge the few remaining nations that had not yet signed up to the organisation.
News & Media
Will you still be able to access shows for free (as with Vikings) or will Amazon quietly drop the streaming and nudge you towards buying the Blu-ray (as it's done with sci-fi show Extant)?
News & Media
When the chocolate is half melted, turn the heat off and nudge the solid parts into the melted parts, letting it continue to melt in the residual heat.
News & Media
But this was seized upon after the hearing by the activists and their legal team as a deliberate nudge that the judge had been kept in the dark about Kennedy's undercover work.
News & Media
Unfortunately, that same wink and nudge have extended to how banks are regulated.
News & Media
Hitchens's interest, it has been suggested, may have something to do with the character of Trevor, a dark-haired, monobrowed loner suspected of psychiatric issues, whose special talent is for "dealing out extra damage"; whereas Watson observers suggest he could be craving to be in the game too – his Twitter feed is topped by a cartoon self-image, as if as a nudge to GTA VI's creators.
News & Media
The nudge unit has been working for the last six months at a jobcentre in Loughton, Essex, where claimants who took part in the trial were around 17.5% more likely than those in a control group to be off benefits, 13 weeks after signing on in the same centre.
News & Media
Joshua Smith, a senior policy analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal thinktank, described the measure as "completely backwards logic", because it wrongly assumes there are swaths of unemployed people who would work if only they were given a nudge.
News & Media
Australia may even be readying its elbows to nudge a few people off balance.
News & Media
It's all shit and sticks, small picture, borderline illegal stuff – a nudge here, a sharp-elbowed run there.
News & Media
Macroeconomists now advise central banks on monetary policy, and behavioral economists tell political parties and governments how to nudge citizens to do what politicians and economists deem to be right.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "nudge" when you want to describe a gentle and subtle way of influencing someone's behavior or decision, especially in policy or marketing contexts.
Common error
While "nudge" is appropriate in formal and policy-related discussions, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for more natural synonyms like "hint" or "prompt" to maintain a conversational tone.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The word "nudge" functions as both a verb and a noun, denoting a gentle push or a subtle form of encouragement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage through numerous examples, showcasing its versatility in different contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
45%
Formal & Business
25%
Science
15%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "nudge" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb and a noun, denoting a gentle form of influence or encouragement. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that its frequent usage across various reputable sources, including The Guardian and The Economist, underscores its validity and effectiveness in formal and policy-related contexts. While "nudge" is considered grammatically correct and widely used, it's essential to be mindful of its subtle nuances, ensuring appropriate application in different writing scenarios. Common errors can include overuse in casual conversations. Overall, "nudge" remains a valuable tool for expressing non-coercive influence, particularly in professional and academic spheres.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
push lightly
This alternative keeps the idea of a push but softens it with "lightly".
prompt gently
This alternative uses "prompt" to indicate initiating action, adding "gently" to convey a soft approach, similar to a "nudge".
prod softly
Uses "prod" as a synonym for push, softening the action with "softly".
steer gently
This alternative evokes the idea of guiding someone with a light touch.
encourage subtly
This phrase replaces the direct action of a "nudge" with a focus on subtle encouragement.
motivate lightly
This suggests a gentle form of motivation, similar to a subtle "nudge".
persuade softly
Here, "persuade" focuses on convincing someone, while "softly" emphasizes the gentle manner, like a "nudge".
influence discreetly
This option emphasizes the subtle and unobtrusive nature of the influence.
give a hint
This phrase replaces the physical push with an indirect suggestion.
suggest indirectly
Instead of a direct push, this conveys a subtle suggestion.
FAQs
How can I use "nudge" in a sentence?
You can use "nudge" to describe a gentle push or encouragement. For example, "The government used incentives to "nudge" citizens towards energy-efficient choices."
What are some alternatives to the word "nudge"?
Alternatives to "nudge" include "prompt gently", "encourage subtly", or "influence discreetly", depending on the context.
Is "nudge" appropriate for formal writing?
Yes, "nudge" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing behavioral economics or policy interventions. It is often used to describe non-coercive methods of influencing behavior.
What's the difference between "nudge" and "force"?
"Nudge" implies a gentle, non-coercive influence, whereas "force" suggests compulsion. A "nudge" aims to guide choices without restricting them, while force removes the element of choice.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested