to prompt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to prompt" is correct and is used in written English.
It is usually used as a verb, as in the sentence: She prompted him to finish the task. This means that she encouraged him to complete the task.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's just meant to prompt discussion".

The New York Times

McIlroy's 68 seemed to prompt bittersweet emotion.

The Guardian - Sport

–What occurred to prompt this event?

The New York Times

There are ideas to prompt change.

The New York Times - Sports

It was enough to prompt a visit from the authorities.

The New York Times

The idea, naturally, is to prompt them to trade.

The New York Times

Withholding services would be certain to prompt civil-rights lawsuits.

The New Yorker

That seemed to prompt a change of heart.

The Guardian

The decision is set to prompt a flurry of activity.

The Guardian - Money

That claim is likely to prompt scepticism among environmental groups.

The Guardian

Portraying human misery to prompt empathy among readers happens frequently.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to prompt", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what action or response is being encouraged or initiated.

Common error

Avoid using "to prompt" when a stronger verb like "force" or "demand" is more appropriate, as "to prompt" suggests a subtle encouragement rather than a direct command.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to prompt" is as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically introduces a clause expressing the purpose or intended outcome of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to prompt" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to express the intent to encourage or initiate an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the numerous examples demonstrate its applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news and scientific domains. While alternatives like "to encourage" or "to stimulate" exist, "to prompt" offers a balanced tone suitable for both formal and neutral registers. Remember to use it mindfully, ensuring the sentence clearly conveys the intended influence without implying undue force. The high frequency and authoritative source backing make it a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to encourage

Focuses more on instilling confidence or motivation, rather than just initiating.

to stimulate

Emphasizes a more gentle or gradual instigation.

to motivate

Highlights the provision of a reason or incentive to act.

to incite

Implies a more forceful or even negative instigation.

to trigger

Suggests a specific event causing a reaction.

to instigate

Suggests initiating something, often with negative connotations.

to set off

Implies initiating a chain reaction or series of events.

to induce

Suggests persuading or influencing someone to do something.

to cue

Highlights providing a signal or reminder for an action.

to move

Focuses on influencing someone's feelings or decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "to prompt" to indicate encouraging someone to take action, such as: "The new evidence served "to prompt" a new investigation."

What are some alternatives to using "to prompt"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to encourage", "to stimulate", or "to motivate".

Is it correct to use "to prompt" in formal writing?

Yes, "to prompt" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing the initiation of actions or discussions. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and often used in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "to prompt" and "to force"?

"To prompt" implies a gentle encouragement or suggestion, while "to force" suggests a direct imposition of will. For example, the evidence may "to prompt" further investigation, but it cannot "to force" a conclusion.