spur change

USAGE SUMMARY

'spur change' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about motivating someone or something to take some kind of action. For example, "The mayor pledged to spur change in the way the city handles public transportation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She insists that unions should spur change.

The Economist

Ultimately, only action at Fifa may spur change.

The Guardian - Sport

She said she hopes the report will spur change.

The Guardian

It was the type of loss that could spur change.

The New York Times - Sports

Shareholder activism intended to spur change in the boardroom is down significantly so far this year.

The New York Times

Smaller "nudges," similarly sensitive to our psychological quirks, can also spur change.

The New York Times

They switched on Spanish-language radio and heard myriad reasons their vote could spur change.

The New York Times

Some hope the Abramoff case will finally spur change to the way these laws are made.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It could also spur changes in the I.P.O.

The New York Times

The firm has quietly helped spur changes in the industry.

The New York Times

The Kursk incident should spur changes in Russia's nuclear navy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "spur"; it implies a sudden burst of activity. Use it when this sense aligns with the intended meaning. Otherwise, a more gradual term like "foster change" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "spur change" when describing a gradual or long-term process. The verb "spur" suggests a sudden and immediate impulse. If the change is expected to be slow and incremental, consider using verbs like "encourage", "foster", or "promote" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spur change" functions as a verb phrase, where "spur" acts as a transitive verb meaning to stimulate or incite, and "change" is the direct object, referring to the act of transformation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spur change" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the act of motivating or accelerating transformation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. While the verb "spur" suggests a sudden impetus, it's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the intended meaning aligns with this connotation. Alternatives such as "catalyze transformation" or "drive progress" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When employing "spur change", clarity and contextual relevance are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Catalyze transformation

This alternative emphasizes the acceleration of change, akin to a chemical catalyst.

Instigate reform

This phrase highlights the initiation of structured improvements or corrections.

Trigger innovation

Focuses on causing an influx of new ideas and methods.

Drive progress

Emphasizes the sustained effort to move forward and improve.

Prompt development

Suggests encouraging growth or advancement in a specific area.

Encourage evolution

This alternative highlights the gradual development and adaptation over time.

Incentivize progress

This phrases introduces motivation to do better.

Motivate transformation

This alternative specifically refers to the act of providing a reason to act or change.

Foster improvement

This focuses on nurturing conditions that will allow betterment or advancement.

Stimulate advancement

This option means make something active or more active.

FAQs

How can I use "spur change" in a sentence?

You can use "spur change" to describe actions or events that motivate or accelerate a transformation. For example, "The new regulations are designed to "spur change" in the industry's environmental practices".

What are some alternatives to "spur change"?

Alternatives to "spur change" include "catalyze transformation", "instigate reform", or "drive progress". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "spur change" formal or informal?

"Spur change" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific meaning you intend to convey.

What's the difference between "spur change" and "encourage change"?

"Spur change" implies a more immediate and forceful impetus, whereas "encourage change" suggests a gentler, more supportive approach. Use "spur change" when emphasizing the need for rapid action.