to discourage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to discourage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of dissuading someone from a particular action or behavior. Example: "The teacher aimed to discourage students from cheating by implementing strict penalties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes it's enough to discourage them.

The New York Times

Writer discusses ways to discourage nuclear proliferation.

The New Yorker

Her father never ceased to discourage her.

The New Yorker

The stamp is overprinted to discourage counterfeiters.

The New Yorker

That is unlikely to discourage McLaughlin, though.

The New York Times - Sports

This is meant to discourage underweight jumpers.

The New York Times

That does not seem to discourage Murphy.

The New York Times - Sports

This made it hard to discourage transactions.

The Economist

Netanyahu did nothing to discourage them.

The New Yorker

Efforts are made to discourage poaching.

The New Yorker

Also, he wants to discourage smoking.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to discourage", clearly state what you are trying to prevent or dissuade. This provides context and makes your intention clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of actions intended "to discourage". The phrase implies an attempt to reduce likelihood, not guarantee prevention. Ensure your claims align with this realistic outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to discourage" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase indicating purpose or intent. It commonly introduces a clause that explains the reason for taking a particular action, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to discourage" is a versatile phrase used to express the intent of preventing or dissuading an action or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase, and while suitable across various registers, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "to discourage", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are trying to prevent and consider whether a more specific alternative like "to deter" or "to dissuade" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to deter

Similar in meaning, focusing on preventing an action through fear or doubt.

to dissuade

Implies convincing someone not to do something through reasoning or persuasion.

to prevent

Focuses on stopping something from happening, often through direct action.

to avert

Suggests turning away or avoiding something undesirable.

to curb

Implies restraining or controlling something, often a desire or impulse.

to inhibit

Focuses on slowing down or hindering a process or action.

to impede

Suggests obstructing or hindering progress.

to restrain

Implies holding back or controlling someone or something.

to put off

Focuses on causing someone to lose enthusiasm or interest.

to dishearten

Suggests causing someone to lose spirit or confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "to discourage" in a sentence?

You can use "to discourage" to show an intent to prevent or dissuade someone from doing something. For example, "The new policy aims "to discourage" late submissions".

What are some alternatives to "to discourage"?

Some alternatives to "to discourage" include "to deter", "to dissuade", or "to prevent", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "to discourage" and "to prevent"?

"To discourage" implies an attempt to reduce the likelihood of something happening, while "to prevent" suggests a complete stopping of something. "To discourage" aims to make something less appealing, while "to prevent" aims to make it impossible.

Is it always appropriate to use "to discourage" in formal writing?

Yes, "to discourage" is appropriate in formal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to express the intention to dissuade or prevent an action. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a stronger or more specific verb like "to deter" might be more suitable.