spurring me on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spurring me on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that motivates or encourages you to continue or to take action. Example: "The support from my friends is spurring me on to achieve my goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I don't have Michelle Bridges spurring me on, though.

The Guardian - Opinion

She supported me to run with my eccentric ideas, spurring me on and encouraging my outrageous side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bergman's art now squarely acted out his anxiety, which he calls "my life's most faithful companion, inherited from both my parents, placed in the very center of my identity — my demon and my friend spurring me on".

The New Yorker

He called it "my life's most faithful companion, inherited from both my mother and my father, placed in the very center of my identity, my demon but also my friend spurring me on".

The New York Times

Now requiring punishment, I would throw myself at the feet of the nearest unavailable woman, her rejection relighting the flame of victimhood and spurring me on to fresh conquests to ease the pain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bergman's art now squarely acted out his anxiety, which he calls "my life's most faithful companion, inherited from both my parents, placed in the very center of my identity my demon and my friend spurring me on".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I have had a lot of knocks, most have spurred me on, and the ones that haven't were damaging enough, so I'd rather not remember them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They might be overblown with emotion whereas I'm raring to go – it has just spurred me on for the next one".

The Guardian - Sport

But it spurred me on".

Independent

"It spurred me on," said Hallett after his 10-8 win.

The Guardian - Sport

It spurred me on, in a funny way.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spurring me on" when you want to convey a sense of forward momentum and active encouragement, often in response to a challenge or obstacle. For example, "The difficulty of the project is actually "spurring me on" to work harder."

Common error

Avoid using "spurring me on" in contexts where a gentle or supportive encouragement is more appropriate. This phrase has a sense of urgency or intensity, so choose a softer alternative like "encouraging me" if the situation calls for it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spurring me on" functions as a verbal phrase expressing motivation or encouragement. It describes an external force or influence that is actively prompting someone to continue or intensify their efforts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spurring me on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys a sense of active motivation and encouragement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While not overly formal, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, from news reports to personal anecdotes. If you're seeking alternatives, consider "motivating me" or "driving me forward", but be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey. Keep in mind that the phrase's intensity may not always be appropriate, and more gentle options such as "encouraging me" are available if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivating me

Emphasizes the act of providing a reason or incentive to do something.

encouraging me

Highlights the act of giving someone confidence or support.

driving me forward

Focuses on the propulsion and direction of the motivation.

inspiring me

Suggests a more profound and uplifting influence.

propelling me

Implies a strong force pushing someone ahead.

giving me impetus

Replaces "spurring" with a more formal synonym.

galvanizing me into action

Indicates a sudden and decisive burst of energy.

lighting a fire under me

An idiomatic expression indicating strong motivation.

pushing me to excel

Focuses on the drive to achieve excellence.

fueling my ambition

Highlights how something is feeding one's desire for achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "spurring me on" in a sentence?

You can use "spurring me on" to describe something that motivates or encourages you to take action or continue pursuing a goal. For instance, "The positive feedback is "spurring me on" to finish the project."

What are some alternatives to "spurring me on"?

You can use alternatives like "motivating me", "encouraging me", or "driving me forward" depending on the context.

Is "spurring me on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "spurring me on" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted phrase in English, used to describe something that is motivating or encouraging you.

What is the difference between "spurring me on" and "supporting me"?

"Spurring me on" implies a more active and driving force, pushing you forward with energy and momentum. "Supporting me", on the other hand, suggests providing assistance, encouragement, and resources, often in a more passive or sustained way. For example, while family may be "supporting me" financially, a challenging goal might be "spurring me on" to improve.