urge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "urge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean to try hard to persuade someone to do something, or as a noun to mean a strong desire or feeling. Example sentence: I felt an urge to call my grandmother and thank her for the thoughtful gift.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speaking in Cairo, he said: "As I move to Syria, we will do whatever we can to urge and press for a cessation of hostilities and end to the killing and violence.

The Guardian

Mark Harper, the immigration minister behind the controversial campaign that put "go home" adverts on vans to urge illegal immigrants to leave Britain, has resigned after learning that his private cleaner for seven years did not have permission to work in the UK.

The Guardian

MO'L If you ever feel the urge to rummage around other people's homes, you'll be intrigued by this website.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Osborne used his statement to urge unions to call off the strike: "I would once again ask the unions why they are damaging our economy at a time like this – and putting jobs at risk.

The Guardian

The publicity goes on to urge "citizens of the UK and the world" to help the people of Britain "send a message to the world".

The Guardian

"We strongly urge the federal government to reconsider its stance on this issue," they wrote, before outlining plans for more transparency about the data Yahoo shares with law enforcement agencies.

The Guardian - Tech

Obama is expected to urge Congress to act, including passing a bill that would prevent Bush-era tax cuts from expiring for all but the wealthiest Americans.

The Guardian

One once recorded an urge to slip her hand under his sponsor's sweatshirt 'to see if there's a slot in his back where they insert the software'.

The Guardian - Sport

His written prose, including many sensible reviews were more normal but his verse, which shows some influence of A E Housman who taught him at Cambridge, clearly indicates the romantic urge driving him.

The Guardian

What about people who talk about the rape of the countryside – do they have to apologise?" Morgan, the Loughborough MP appointed in April as minister for women, wrote to Miliband to urge him to discipline Mitchell.

The Guardian

Related: Top doctors urge Columbia to sever ties with Dr Oz over 'quack treatments' Oz's response to his critics – first touted in a Facebook post on Friday – has now become an all-out defense campaign that includes an op-ed in Time magazine, an episode-long defense and a follow-up interview on NBC's Today show last Friday.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "urge" to convey the importance or urgency of a particular action. For instance, "I urge you to consider all the factors before making a decision."

Common error

While "urge" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "recommend", "encourage", or "advocate" to maintain reader engagement and show a broader command of language.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "urge" is as a transitive verb, meaning it typically takes a direct object. It can also function as a noun, denoting a strong desire or impulse. Ludwig examples confirm its use in both forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "urge" is a versatile word used both as a verb to encourage or persuade and as a noun to describe a strong desire. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media. When writing, consider synonyms like "encourage" or "implore" for variation and to fine-tune the intended meaning. As highlighted by the provided examples and analyses, "urge" is a valuable tool for conveying importance and prompting action effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhort

To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.

implore

A more formal and intense synonym for urging, suggesting a desperate plea.

entreat

A formal and earnest request, similar to implore but slightly less intense.

call for

A public request or demand for something.

press for

Emphasizes the act of persistently advocating for something.

advocate

Suggests a more public and formal endorsement of a cause or action.

persuade

To cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument.

encourage

A milder form of urging, focusing on instilling confidence and motivation.

prompt

To cause or encourage someone to do something.

recommend

A suggestion based on expertise or experience, less forceful than an urge.

FAQs

How can I use "urge" in a sentence?

You can use "urge" as a verb to encourage or persuade someone to do something, or as a noun to describe a strong desire. For example, "I "urge" you to reconsider your decision," or "I felt an "urge" to travel."

What's the difference between "urge" and "encourage"?

"Urge" implies a stronger sense of necessity or importance compared to "encourage". While both involve prompting action, "urge" suggests a more pressing need or recommendation. Consider using "encourage" when giving support or building confidence, and "urge" when there's a critical reason for action.

What are some synonyms for "urge"?

Some synonyms for "urge" include "implore", "encourage", "press for", "advocate", "recommend", and "call for". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

Yes, "urge" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when conveying the importance or necessity of something. However, consider varying your word choice to avoid repetition. Synonyms like "recommend" or "advocate" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.