Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this is discouraged
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"this is discouraged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disapproval of something that is not encouraged or allowed, for example: "Running in the halls is discouraged."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
This is discouraged.
News & Media
He also began surreptitiously taping his talks with Hawkins, though this is discouraged by California law.
News & Media
This is discouraged now, since it can bring dangerous side effects such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Wiki
This new version will be a RPG involving the Shadowrun world complete with various character types – elves, samurai, humans – and, although this is discouraged, deals with dragons.
News & Media
It is seemingly convenient here because of the considerable number of double-zero studies, despite of the general consensus that this is discouraged [ 22].
However, in a culture where this is discouraged and where women have low social status, it is still unclear whether the husband's presence in the delivery room has a positive impact on his wife's feeling of being in control during labour.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
All this is discouraging for a champion of footnotes like myself.
News & Media
This is discouraging both for the PN designers and the PN readers and this is certainly one of the causes impeding the dissemination of this approach.
This is discouraging".
Science
But the way things are, it is as if we are not working and this is discouraging me and I feel like leaving the job".
Science
This is discouraging in some ways, yet also reinforces the notion that "it's not what we say, but what we do" that really matters.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "this is discouraged" to politely indicate that a particular action or behavior is not favored, especially in formal or professional settings. Ensure the context clearly identifies what "this" refers to.
Common error
Avoid using "this is discouraged" in casual conversations where simpler phrases like "it's not a good idea" or "I wouldn't do that" are more appropriate.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this is discouraged" functions as a passive voice construction used to express disapproval or a lack of endorsement for a particular action or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable expression. It indirectly communicates that an action is not favored without directly assigning blame or imposing a strict prohibition.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
42%
Wiki
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "this is discouraged" serves as a polite yet clear way to indicate disapproval or a lack of recommendation for a certain action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and usable. While it may not be the most common phrase, it finds its place in formal and neutral contexts, across diverse sources ranging from news outlets to scientific publications. Alternatives like "this is not advised" or "this is frowned upon" offer nuanced variations in tone and emphasis. It is crucial to remember that, while valid, this phrase may be perceived as unnatural in casual conversations and that overuse in informal contexts is a common mistake. So, while the data shows that "this is discouraged" is correct and appropriate for many instances, remember that you always have several options to choose the best one depending on the context.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
this is not advised
Replaces "discouraged" with a more direct synonym, maintaining the same grammatical structure and meaning.
this is frowned upon
Uses an idiomatic expression to convey disapproval, adding a slightly stronger social connotation.
this is not recommended
Emphasizes a lack of official endorsement or support, suitable for more formal contexts.
this should be avoided
Shifts the focus to the action of avoiding, implying a potential negative consequence.
this is unwelcome
Highlights the negative reception or lack of acceptance of the action or situation.
this is prohibited
Indicates a formal ban or restriction, carrying a stronger sense of authority and consequence.
it is inadvisable to do this
Changes the sentence structure to focus on the act being inadvisable, adding a touch of formality.
this is a bad idea
Simplifies the phrasing to express a negative assessment, suitable for informal contexts.
refrain from this
Directly instructs to abstain from something, offering a more commanding alternative.
this is a cautionary measure
Frames the discouragement as a preventive action, highlighting the reason behind it.
FAQs
What does "this is discouraged" mean?
The phrase "this is discouraged" means something is not recommended or approved of. It's a polite way to say that a particular action or behavior is not favored.
How can I use "this is discouraged" in a sentence?
You might say, "Littering in the park "this is discouraged"" or "Sharing your password "this is discouraged" for security reasons."
What can I say instead of "this is discouraged"?
You can use alternatives like "this is not advised", "this is frowned upon", or "this is not recommended" depending on the context.
Is it better to say "this is discouraged" or "this is not allowed"?
"This is discouraged" is a milder way of saying something is not favored, while "this is not allowed" is a stronger statement indicating that something is prohibited. The best choice depends on the specific situation and the level of restriction you want to convey.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested