predominantly encouraging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predominantly encouraging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, environment, or behavior that is mainly supportive or positive in nature. Example: "The feedback from the team was predominantly encouraging, highlighting the strengths of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Given the predominantly encouraging results for USE in the head and neck, and the fact that USE technologies are still emerging and continually improving, it is possible that a combination of elastographic and sonographic criteria will become part of routine diagnostic head and neck sonography in the near future.

Cancer Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Given that the few countries that have successfully decreased national HIV prevalence have achieved these gains predominantly by encouraging safer sexual behaviours in adolescents [ 18], the banning of this programme is of some concern.

BMC Public Health

This is further emphasised when considering the high levels of STIs in India, combined with the evidence that the few countries that have successfully decreased national HIV prevalence have achieved this predominantly by encouraging safer sexual behaviours in adolescents [ 18].

BMC Public Health

There are several exemptions to the individual mandate, which is intended to encourage predominantly young and healthy people to obtain insurance.

The Guardian

The final year of the programme is designed to prepare students to qualify as doctors by encouraging them to learn predominantly from real patients and integrate what they have learned in previous years.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

A number of "key individuals, predominantly men of Pakistani heritage... are encouraging and promoting certain Islamic principles in schools in the Birmingham area, and the evidence suggests a pattern of these individuals moving between schools in the area".

The Guardian

Following three decades of financial changes, the world's most populous country became predominantly urban in 2011, and officials are encouraging the trend as part of a transition toward a more services-based economy.

The Guardian

The predominantly favorable attitudes of pregnant women, husbands, and providers towards encouraging greater male involvement in maternal health in this study imply that the introduction of an option for such services would be both feasible and well accepted.

Social Science & Medicine

This disproportionate distribution of specialized obstetric care is not encouraging in a country as populous as Nigeria with a predominantly rural population.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Mr. Maynard visited predominantly black neighborhoods to encourage others to take the Fire Department test.

The New York Times

For the second year in a row, #OscarsSoWhite creator April Reign is encouraging Twitter users to live tweet a movie on Netflix with a predominantly black cast during the Oscars telecast.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predominantly encouraging" when you want to convey that the overall sentiment or outcome is positive, even if there are some minor negative aspects. It suggests that the positive elements outweigh the negative ones.

Common error

Avoid using "predominantly encouraging" if the situation is only mildly positive or if the negative aspects are significant. The phrase implies a strong, prevailing sense of encouragement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predominantly encouraging" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun or noun phrase to indicate that its primary characteristic is one of encouragement. As shown by Ludwig, it suggests that positive or supportive aspects are more significant than any negative ones.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predominantly encouraging" is a phrase used to describe something that is mainly positive or supportive, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it follows standard grammatical rules and is deemed correct, its usage is relatively rare. It's most often found in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the overall sentiment is genuinely positive, and consider alternatives like "mainly supportive" or "largely positive" to tailor the nuance to your specific needs. Remember to avoid overstating the level of encouragement to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly supportive

Focuses on the supportive aspect as the primary characteristic.

largely positive

Emphasizes the overall positive nature of something.

mostly favorable

Highlights a positive attitude or opinion as the main element.

generally optimistic

Stresses the hopeful or upbeat outlook.

primarily affirmative

Underscores the positive or agreeing nature.

chiefly reassuring

Highlights the comforting and confidence-boosting quality.

substantially approving

Implies a significant level of endorsement or agreement.

dominantly promising

Stresses the potential for a positive outcome as the key feature.

considerably uplifting

Focuses on the inspiring and mood-boosting effect.

noticeably heartening

Emphasizes the cheerful and encouraging character.

FAQs

How can I use "predominantly encouraging" in a sentence?

You can use "predominantly encouraging" to describe feedback, results, or reactions that are mostly positive, such as, "The feedback on the new design was "predominantly encouraging", with users praising its ease of use."

What are some alternatives to "predominantly encouraging"?

Alternatives to "predominantly encouraging" include "mainly supportive", "largely positive", or "mostly favorable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "predominantly encouraged" instead of "predominantly encouraging"?

No, "predominantly encouraged" has a different meaning. "Predominantly encouraging" describes something that gives encouragement, while "predominantly encouraged" would describe someone who is mostly feeling encouraged. The correct phrase depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "predominantly encouraging" and "slightly encouraging"?

"Predominantly encouraging" suggests a strong overall positive sentiment with minor negative aspects, while "slightly encouraging" implies a weak or marginal level of positive support or optimism.