spur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spur" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to encouraging or stimulating someone to take action or to motivate them in some way. Example: "The coach's speech was meant to spur the team to victory in the championship game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Boris Johnson, the London mayor, got into hot water last week when he praised the value of greed as a spur to progress and controversially suggested some people struggle to get on in life because of their low IQs.

The Guardian

"I want to become the best player in the world, I think we definitely spur each other on," McIlroy said shortly after the relationship became public.

The Guardian - Sport

The Business Roundtable, Washington's top business lobby group, had urged the Senate to pass TPA "without delay" arguing the trade pact would support US jobs and spur economic growth.

The Guardian

The real spur behind the coalition's attack on the working time directive is to be seen by business to be cutting the much hated but vastly over-hyped "red tape" that is supposed to stifle entrepreneurship.

The Guardian - Opinion

"By promoting clean, domestic energy alternatives and efficiency, we can reduce pollution, advance the goal of energy independence for our nation, and spur the creation of new manufacturing jobs in America," the senator said in a statement.

The Guardian

The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said the tragedy should be a spur to action.

The Guardian

If you feel like you're actually achieving something, it will spur you on to achieve the next thing, and I think that's really important.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Regional turmoil, Greece's own internal deflation – a process that though savage has produced bargain basement deals – and the introduction of longer opening hours at museums and archaeological sites have helped spur the turnaround.

The Guardian

These economic forecasts are also used by the president and Congress as a spur or support for legislation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chloe Smith, the MP for Norwich North, spearheaded the taskforce to persuade the government to bring Norfolk's city within an hour and a half of London, instead of the current 110-117 minutes on most journeys, to spur regeneration and employment.

The Guardian

"If the young players of today don't use this to spur them on then they are making a mistake.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spur" when you want to convey a sense of immediate encouragement or motivation that leads to action. For example, "The new policy is designed to "spur" economic growth."

Common error

While "spur" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "incentivize", "motivate", or "stimulate" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

Spur functions as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it often describes the act of encouraging or prompting someone to do something. As a noun, it refers to something that incites action or serves as a motivation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "spur" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to convey the idea of encouragement or motivation. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "motivate" or "encourage" to best fit the intended nuance. Remember to avoid overusing "spur" in highly formal writing to maintain variety and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prod

Involves gently urging or reminding someone to do something, often when they are reluctant.

motivate

Emphasizes the internal drive and willingness to act, a broader concept than the direct influence of "spur".

encourage

Suggests a supportive and positive influence, while "spur" can imply a more urgent or critical need for action.

incentivize

Focuses on providing incentives to motivate action, differing from "spur" which implies a more immediate impetus.

stimulate

Highlights the process of arousing or quickening activity or growth, differing from the more direct impact of "spur".

prompt

Indicates causing or inciting someone to do something, often implying a specific action or response.

galvanize

Implies shocking or arousing someone into sudden activity, suggesting a more dramatic impact than "spur".

drive

Suggests compelling or urging someone forcefully toward a specific goal.

goad

Signifies persistently provoking or annoying someone into action, potentially with negative connotations.

incite

Refers to encouraging or stirring up violent or unlawful behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "spur" in a sentence?

You can use "spur" to indicate encouragement or motivation. For example, "The positive feedback served to "spur" her on to greater achievements."

What can I say instead of "spur"?

You can use alternatives like "motivate", "encourage", or "stimulate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "spur" or "spurr"?

"Spur" is the correct spelling. "Spurr" is not a recognized word in standard English.

What's the difference between "spur" and "incentivize"?

"Spur" implies a more immediate and direct encouragement, while "incentivize" suggests providing specific incentives to motivate behavior over time.