we are encouraged to

USAGE SUMMARY

'we are encouraged to' is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to express that there is an expectation or suggestion to do something. For example: "We are encouraged to be more mindful of our impact on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Death, we are encouraged to believe, became her well.

The New Yorker

We are encouraged to improve ourselves through exercise, fasting, surgery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet we are encouraged to stop our ears and ignore it as best we can.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are encouraged to dress modestly, and not talk to strangers.

The Guardian

But we are encouraged to give it the same, or more, attention.

The Guardian - Arts

"We can have failures, oddly we are encouraged to have spectacular failures.

The Guardian

Quietly and subtly, we are encouraged to ask questions about what's really going on.

The Guardian - Tech

We are encouraged to text his ex-girlfriend with vengeful messages.

The Guardian

They're bad, we are encouraged to feel, because their language is bad, because they're ugly.

The New Yorker

"On the contrary, we are encouraged to think of the role of gender in society".

The New York Times

Everyone with whom we are encouraged to sympathise seems beyond reproach.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are encouraged to", clarify who is doing the encouraging to provide context and strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "we are encouraged to" without specifying the source of encouragement. Vague statements weaken the impact. Instead of saying "We are encouraged to be innovative", specify "Our company encourages us to be innovative" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are encouraged to" functions as a modal construction used to express suggestion, recommendation, or promotion of a particular action. As shown by Ludwig AI, the construction implies a general expectation or positive inclination towards a certain behavior, but without the force of a strict requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Books

12%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Travel

2%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are encouraged to" is a versatile phrase used to express a recommended or promoted action, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a modal construction aimed at motivating or persuading an audience. While the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, ensuring clarity regarding the source of encouragement is crucial. Found frequently in News & Media, its neutral tone suits various contexts. When writing, consider alternatives like "we are advised to" or "we are urged to" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are expected to

Indicates a normative expectation or requirement.

we are urged to

Implies a strong and insistent encouragement.

we are advised to

Implies a recommendation from an authority or expert, making it more formal.

we are prompted to

Suggests an external stimulus or cue is driving the action.

it is recommended that we

Similar to 'advised,' suggesting expertise-based guidance.

we are persuaded to

Highlights the influence and convincing involved.

we are invited to

Conveys a sense of voluntary participation and welcome.

we are pushed to

Suggests a more forceful influence or pressure.

we are asked to

Expresses a request, which is less forceful than encouragement.

it is suggested that we

Impersonal phrasing, reducing directness.

FAQs

How can I use "we are encouraged to" in a sentence?

Use "we are encouraged to" to express that a particular action is recommended or promoted, often implying a positive outcome. For example, "We are encouraged to "participate in" community events".

What are some alternatives to "we are encouraged to"?

You can use phrases like "we are advised to", "we are urged to", or "we are expected to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we are encouraged to" formal or informal?

"We are encouraged to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends on the specific situation and audience.

What's the difference between "we are encouraged to" and "we are required to"?

"We are encouraged to" suggests a recommendation or suggestion, while "we are required to" implies a mandatory obligation. Encouragement leaves room for choice, whereas requirement demands compliance.