strongly discouraging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strongly discouraging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a firm recommendation against a particular action or behavior. Example: "The report includes a section that is strongly discouraging the use of plastic bags in order to protect the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It is strongly discouraging him from sabre-rattling over the breakaway enclaves.

The Economist

Dr. John B. Chessare, chief medical officer at one such hospital, Boston Medical Center, said that his hospital was strongly discouraging its doctors from accepting free drug samples.

The New York Times

In all likelihood, they will render the historic structure of ALP unviable by prohibiting affiliation fees, and by strongly discouraging affiliation through the aggregation of spending.

The Guardian - Opinion

Taiwan in particular has been strongly discouraging its citizens from visiting the mainland after a spate of SARS illnesses among recent arrivals from there.

The New York Times

If adopted by the denomination, it would have the effect of strongly discouraging Southern Baptist congregations from calling women as pastors.

The New York Times

Société Générale immediately put Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities on its internal blacklist, forbidding its investment bank from doing business with him, and also strongly discouraging wealthy clients at its private bank from his investments.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

These are therefore strongly discouraged.

Princeton University

(Dressing up is strongly discouraged).

The New York Times - Arts

Women were strongly discouraged from entering.

The Guardian - Books

We strongly discourage the commercialization of solar geoengineering.

Harvard University

In general, the School strongly discourages such confidentiality arrangements.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strongly discouraging", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reasons for the discouragement. Providing rationale strengthens the message and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "strongly discouraging" when a milder suggestion is more appropriate. Overstating the discouragement can come across as overly forceful or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strongly discouraging" functions as a verb phrase indicating active discouragement. It modifies a verb, adding emphasis to the act of advising against something. Examples from Ludwig show its role in communicating disapproval or prevention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strongly discouraging" is a verb phrase used to express firm advice against a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing. While alternatives like "firmly advising against" or "vehemently dissuading" exist, "strongly discouraging" effectively communicates a clear and serious recommendation against a specific behavior. Remember to provide context for why something is being strongly discouraged to enhance the message's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strongly advising against

Replacing the word 'discouraging' with 'advising against' doesn't change the overall meaning but shifts the focus slightly from preventing to recommending.

strongly cautioning against

This alternative highlights the warning aspect of the discouragement.

strongly urging against

This version emphasizes the act of urging to avoid something.

firmly advising against

This alternative conveys a resolute recommendation against a particular action.

discouraging emphatically

This alternative stresses the forcefulness of the discouragement.

vehemently dissuading

This alternative suggests a more forceful and passionate effort to deter.

powerfully dissuading

This emphasizes the strength of the discouragement through the word 'powerful'.

adamantly deterring

This signifies a firm and unwavering effort to prevent something.

unequivocally opposing

This suggests a clear and unambiguous stance against something.

expressly deprecating

This implies an open and clear disapproval or condemnation.

FAQs

How can I use "strongly discouraging" in a sentence?

You can use "strongly discouraging" to express firm disapproval or advice against a particular action. For example, "The guidelines are strongly discouraging the use of single-use plastics."

What are some alternatives to "strongly discouraging"?

Alternatives include "firmly advising against", "strongly urging against", or "vehemently dissuading", depending on the context and intensity you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "strongly discouraging" and "discouraging"?

"Strongly discouraging" indicates a higher level of disapproval and a more forceful recommendation against something than simply "discouraging". The addition of "strongly" amplifies the intensity of the advice.

When is it appropriate to use "strongly discouraging" instead of "recommending against"?

Use "strongly discouraging" when you want to emphasize a firm stance against something, suggesting potential negative consequences if the advice is not followed. "Recommending against" is milder and more suggestive.