stimulates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stimulates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that causes an increase in activity, interest, or energy in a particular context. Example: "The new marketing campaign stimulates consumer interest in our products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exercise stimulates the growth and repair of cells in the hippocampus, and induces a more positive mood, making you less susceptible to stress and reducing the amount of cortisol released.

The Guardian

Obviously for me the role of strong trade unions is critical, because this is all about the redistribution of wealth, and a way to get a greater share of our GDP going to wages, which in turn stimulates sustainable growth.

The Guardian

Littlewood, the director of the institute, used two of the arguments recommended by Philip Morris in that leaked document: there's no evidence that plain packaging affects the number of people who smoke, and it stimulates a black market in cigarettes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It stimulates a usually dormant pathway between the hypothalamus and the immune system.

The Guardian

Since all points in ours palms relate to different internal organs, he explained, clapping stimulates the whole body and works as a kind of "first aid".

The Guardian

• Chocolate and other sweet foods cause your blood-sugar level to rise quickly, which stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, the hormone that rapidly brings it down.

The Guardian - Books

There are over 1,000 chemicals in coffee, some of which have credible anti-cancer effects – caffeic acid can inhibit cell pathways involved in tumour growth, and cafestol stimulates antioxidants in the cells to defend themselves against cancer development.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

See, if you knew anything about creativity, you'd know that ambient noise stimulates the brain, that's why intellectuals have always gone to cafes to discuss ideas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It relaxes and stimulates me in equal measure and I hate the sound of silence – the concept, I mean, not the track by Simon and Garfunkel.

The Guardian

Some designs beam energy to a receiving coil in an implanted device, and others use an external pacemaker that wirelessly stimulates an electrode implanted in the heart.Another possibility is to scavenge energy from the natural processes occurring in the patient's body.

The Economist

What really stimulates air travel, most experts agree, is not so much low fares (after all, travel invariably entails other expenses too) but growing prosperity.Yet despite rising passenger numbers, and good returns for some carriers, many of the world's airlines are having a hard time of it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stimulates" when you want to convey that something enhances activity, interest, or growth in a specific context. Ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "stimulates" in overly general statements where the effect is unclear or undefined. Be specific about what is being stimulated and the expected outcome.

Linguistic Context

The word "stimulates" primarily functions as a transitive verb. It signifies the action of encouraging activity, growth, or development in a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "stimulates" is used to describe how something influences a specific process or entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stimulates" is a versatile transitive verb used to describe the action of encouraging or increasing activity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal contexts such as news articles, scientific research, and business reports. Alternatives include "boosts", "activates", and "encourages", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "stimulates", ensure the context is clear and the subject and object of the action are well-defined to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boosts

Indicates an increase or improvement, often in a more direct or forceful manner than "stimulates".

activates

Implies initiating a function or process, often in a biological or mechanical context.

encourages

Suggests providing support or incentive for something to happen, less forceful than "stimulates".

promotes

Focuses on supporting the growth or development of something over time.

triggers

Implies causing a sudden or immediate reaction or event.

induces

Suggests bringing about a particular state or condition, often in a scientific or medical context.

fosters

Emphasizes creating a nurturing environment for development, similar to "promotes" but with a stronger emphasis on care.

spurs

Implies a sudden burst of energy or motivation, more abrupt than "stimulates".

catalyzes

Signifies accelerating a process or reaction, often in a chemical or abstract sense.

sets off

Suggests initiating a chain of events or a reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "stimulates" in a sentence?

You can use "stimulates" to describe something that encourages activity or development. For example, "Exercise "stimulates the growth of cells"" or "The government's new policy "stimulates economic growth"".

What are some alternatives to "stimulates"?

Alternatives to "stimulates" include "boosts", "activates", "encourages", and "promotes". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "stimulates" in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "stimulates" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although it is more commonly found in formal and professional contexts. The word choice should always align with the overall tone and audience of your writing.

What is the difference between "stimulates" and "triggers"?

"Stimulates" implies a gradual or ongoing encouragement of activity, while "triggers" suggests a more immediate and direct cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The drug "stimulates" the immune system" versus "The alarm "triggers" the security system".