serve to discourage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve to discourage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or policies that have the effect of deterring or dissuading someone from a particular behavior or choice. Example: "The high fees associated with late payments serve to discourage customers from missing their deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The public nature of the market may also serve to discourage swindlers.

The New York Times - Tech

"This unprecedented hike in dental charges will only serve to discourage the patients that are most in need of care," he said.

The Guardian

Doing so, they said in a statement, "will only serve to discourage green investments" and "undermine much needed market predictability as the E.U. economy strives to find a way out of the economic crisis".

The New York Times

The authority's officials said they had adopted the restrictive new policy, which began this week, because they were concerned that giving out detailed information about terrorism fears that turned out to be unfounded -- a smudge of powdered sugar that caused an hourlong subway delay, for example -- could serve to discourage passengers from reporting suspicious things they see.

The New York Times

These policy choices serve to discourage continued collective pastoralist land uses and play a role in the expansion of agricultural cultivation and fragmentation of communal rangelands.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Thus, these can greatly hinder the utilization of the ANC services since they serve to discourage the expectant mother who may have to travel along bad road networks or may have to travel for long distance before being able to access a health centre for ANC.

Health Economics Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The news coverage that is provided too often serves to discourage or misdirect the public.

The New York Times

To the Editor: Re "The Tyranny of the 2nd Home" (May 18): I hope your article on vacation homes serves to discourage would-be homesteaders.

The New York Times

The law "would have an impact on my visit as it serves to discourage people from fully disclosing information," Crépeau said.

The Guardian

His detention, in spite of Western media pressure, served to discourage other Communist cadres from reactivating their cause under cover of exercising their democratic rights.

The New York Times - Books

This common-sense verdict has served to discourage police forces from invading the privacy of consenting adults – their efforts were made a laughing stock whenever Cynthia appeared on television or wrote books.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs if a more forceful deterrent effect is intended. Alternatives like 'prevent' or 'inhibit' can convey a stronger sense of discouragement.

Common error

Avoid overstating the effect of "serve to discourage". This phrase implies a tendency to deter, not a guaranteed prevention. Using it when the deterrent is weak can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve to discourage" functions as a purpose connector, indicating the intended outcome or effect of an action or policy. It expresses that something is designed or functions to deter or dissuade a particular behavior. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serve to discourage" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates an action or policy's intention to deter a specific behavior. According to Ludwig, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. This phrase is commonly found in news, scientific and formal contexts, as evidenced by the many examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it leans slightly toward formal and technical writing. When using "serve to discourage", ensure clarity about what is being deterred and consider stronger verbs if a more forceful deterrent effect is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as a deterrent to

Focuses on the act of deterring, emphasizing the preventing action.

function to dissuade

Highlights the purpose of dissuading, suggesting active persuasion against something.

tend to deter

Indicates a tendency to deter, implying a likely but not guaranteed outcome.

work to prevent

Emphasizes the active effort to prevent something from happening.

have a chilling effect on

Suggests a strong discouraging effect, often by creating fear or uncertainty.

help to avert

Implies assistance in avoiding something negative.

aim to prevent

Focuses on the intended goal of preventing something.

seek to inhibit

Emphasizes the intention to restrain or hinder something.

be designed to deter

Highlights the intended design or purpose of deterring.

aim at discouraging

Highlights the specific intent to discourage a particular action or behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "serve to discourage" in a sentence?

Use "serve to discourage" to describe actions or policies that aim to deter specific behaviors. For example, "Strict regulations serve to discourage illegal activities."

What are some alternatives to "serve to discourage"?

You can use alternatives like "act as a deterrent to", "function to dissuade", or "tend to deter" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "serve to discourage" or "discourage"?

"Serve to discourage" is more formal and emphasizes the purpose or function of discouraging something. "Discourage" is more direct. The best choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "serve to discourage" and "have a chilling effect on"?

"Serve to discourage" suggests a general deterrent effect, while "have a chilling effect on" implies a stronger discouragement, often due to fear or uncertainty.