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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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nudge

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

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.

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

The Guardian

Unfortunately, that same wink and nudge have extended to how banks are regulated.

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 Guardian

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Australia may even be readying its elbows to nudge a few people off balance.

News & Media

The Guardian

It's all shit and sticks, small picture, borderline illegal stuff – a nudge here, a sharp-elbowed run there.

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.

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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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.

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Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: