to instill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to instill" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the act of gradually establishing an idea, feeling, or attitude in someone's mind. Example: "The teacher aimed to instill a love of reading in her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The law exists to instill professionalism.

The New York Times

"It was partly to instill courage".

The New York Times

To instill terror into kuffar.

The Guardian

"It wasn't hard to instill that pride of ownership.

The New York Times

"The last thing on their mind is to instill pride.

The New York Times

His task now is to instill hope and desire.

The New York Times

— but very few lessons to instill in a child.

The New York Times

"We try to instill civic virtue through the whole curriculum.

The New York Times

"They wanted to instill some pride from a state perspective".

The New York Times - Sports

"That's what I just try to instill," Burnett said.

The New York Times - Sports

If the purpose was to instill trepidation, it worked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to instill", ensure that the quality or value you are trying to impart is clearly defined and aligns with the context. For example, instead of simply saying "to instill values", specify "to instill a sense of responsibility".

Common error

Avoid using "to instill" in overly broad or generic contexts. Instead of saying something like "the program aims to instill success", be specific about what aspects of success are being targeted, such as "the program aims to instill skills necessary for career advancement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to instill" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase often used with a transitive verb, indicating an action aimed at causing a specific quality or feeling to develop within someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to instill" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive phrase, commonly used to express the act of gradually imparting a quality or value. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s perfectly acceptable in English writing. It's frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, denoting a deliberate effort to establish specific attributes in individuals or systems. When using "to instill", clarity and specificity are crucial to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "to impart" or "to inculcate" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the context. With careful application, "to instill" remains a valuable tool for expressing the intentional cultivation of desired traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to instill in

A slightly more emphatic version that highlights the recipient of the instilled quality.

to impart

This alternative emphasizes the act of giving or bestowing something, often knowledge or a quality.

to inculcate

This term suggests teaching or influencing someone persistently and repeatedly to accept an idea or belief.

to infuse

This alternative implies a gradual introduction or permeation of something into something else.

to ingrain

Suggests fixing something firmly and deeply in someone's mind or habits.

to implant

Implies a deliberate and often forceful introduction of an idea or feeling.

to introduce

A more general term for bringing something new into someone's experience.

to foster

This suggests nurturing and encouraging the growth of something over time.

to cultivate

Implies careful and sustained effort to develop something.

to inspire

Focuses on stimulating someone with an idea or feeling, often leading to action.

FAQs

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

You can use "to instill" to describe the act of gradually causing someone to possess a particular quality or value. For instance, "The coach worked hard "to instill" confidence in his players".

What can I say instead of "to instill"?

Alternatives to "to instill" include "to impart", "to inculcate", or "to foster", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "instill in" or "instill into"?

Both "instill in" and "instill into" are grammatically correct, but "instill in" is generally more common and natural-sounding. For example, "They tried "to instill in" their children a love for learning" is preferred over "They tried to instill into their children a love for learning".

What's the difference between "to instill" and "to inspire"?

"To instill" refers to gradually imparting a quality or value, while "to inspire" means to stimulate or arouse someone's feelings or thoughts. You might "to instill" discipline through regular training, but "to inspire" creativity through motivational talks.