source of encouragement

USAGE SUMMARY

"source of encouragement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to something or someone that motivates or inspires you. For example, "I am so thankful for my family - they are my greatest source of encouragement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She was a great source of encouragement to so many people – a mentor, a role model.

The Guardian

He spoke of the Commonwealth's 'family ties' that are a source of encouragement".

The Guardian

"He was a source of encouragement, more than any other leader".

The New York Times

And he was a constant source of encouragement to the penalty-killing unit.

The New York Times - Sports

One major source of encouragement for England should be how easily Ukraine opened Sweden up.

The Guardian - Sport

You have always been our role model and source of encouragement.

The New York Times

All three spoke fondly of "Max" as an inspiration and a generous source of encouragement.

The Guardian - Music

To Warren's supporters, her careful language is a source of encouragement.

The New Yorker

He spoke of the Commonwealth's 'family ties' that are a source of encouragement to many.

The Guardian

His father, Ted Shearer, a painter and published cartoonist, was another source of encouragement.

The New York Times

To be sure, there is at least one important source of encouragement.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "source of encouragement", clearly identify what or who provides the encouragement to give context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "source of encouragement" in overly sentimental or generic contexts. Instead, strive for specific examples to demonstrate how the encouragement manifests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of encouragement" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies something or someone that provides support, motivation, and inspiration. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "source of encouragement" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that denotes something or someone providing motivation and support. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best used with specific examples to avoid cliché. Consider alternatives like ""fount of inspiration"" or ""driving force"" for nuanced expression. Be mindful to clearly specify the "source" to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inspiration

A more concise way to express the idea of something that inspires.

fount of inspiration

Highlights the inspirational aspect, suggesting a rich and constant supply.

motivation

Focuses on the drive and incentive provided.

wellspring of motivation

Emphasizes the continuous and abundant nature of the motivational influence.

pillar of strength

Stresses the reliability and supportive nature of the person or thing.

boost to morale

Highlights the positive impact on someone's emotional state and confidence.

driving force

Focuses on the active and propelling power behind someone's actions.

support system

Highlights the network of support provided rather than a single source.

moral support

Specifies the type of encouragement as being related to ethics and well-being.

catalyst for progress

Emphasizes the role in initiating and accelerating positive change.

FAQs

How can I use "source of encouragement" in a sentence?

You can use "source of encouragement" to describe someone or something that provides motivation and support, as in "My mentor was a significant "source of encouragement" during my career change".

What are some alternatives to "source of encouragement"?

Alternatives include "fount of inspiration", "driving force", or "moral support", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sources of encouragement"?

Yes, "sources of encouragement" is the plural form and is appropriate when referring to multiple entities that provide encouragement.

What's the difference between "source of encouragement" and "source of inspiration"?

"Source of encouragement" implies providing support and motivation to persevere, while "source of inspiration" suggests something that sparks creativity and new ideas. While related, inspiration is more about initiating new thoughts, and encouragement is more about sustaining existing efforts.