we encourage that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we encourage that" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used when suggesting or promoting a certain action or behavior, but it requires a different structure to be grammatically correct. Example: "We encourage you to participate in the upcoming event."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We encourage that input from our older players.

The New York Times - Sports

Ruth Spencer: Nona, we encourage that kind of thing here on #girlschat.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We encourage that".

Huffington Post

"We encourage that from him".

The New York Times

"Britain is an open economy, and we encourage that investment," he said.

The New York Times

"Our MAC fans are very opinionated, generally speaking, and we encourage that dialogue," said Karen Buglisi Weiler, the brand's global president.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

So we should encourage that".

Huffington Post

For women who are trying to breastfeed, which we often encourage, that is a whole other change that's happening.

Vice

We would encourage that apps involving confidential patient information require validation in such form.

BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

"We don't encourage that".

The New York Times

We don't encourage that, of course.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using “encourage”, ensure a direct object (person or group) follows. For example, "We encourage students to apply" is grammatically correct, while "We encourage that" is not.

Common error

Avoid using “encourage” without specifying who or what is being encouraged. Phrases like “We encourage that” lack clarity and require a direct object for proper grammar. Example: Use "We encourage its adoption" instead of "We encourage that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we encourage that" primarily serves as an expression of support or endorsement. However, due to its incomplete structure, it often lacks clarity and grammatical correctness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it typically needs a direct object to specify what is being encouraged.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "we encourage that" aims to express support or endorsement, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to its lack of a direct object. Ludwig AI points out its structural issues, suggesting a need for clearer formulation. Although examples can be found in varied sources like news outlets and scientific papers, it is less appropriate for formal or professional communication where precision is paramount. Alternative phrases such as "we support that", "we recommend that", or "we encourage you to do that" offer more grammatically sound and clear ways to convey the intended meaning. Therefore, it's best to specify what or who is being encouraged for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we encourage you to do that

This alternative adds a direct object and verb, making it grammatically sound and specifying who is being encouraged.

we support that

This phrase offers a more straightforward expression of endorsement, replacing 'encourage' with 'support'.

we endorse that

This alternative provides a stronger, more formal affirmation, suitable for official contexts.

we recommend that

This option suggests a formal suggestion, replacing encouragement with a recommendation.

we advise that

Similar to 'recommend', this phrase offers guidance or counsel regarding a specific action.

we promote that

This phrase indicates active advocacy or support for something.

we advocate that

Similar to promote, suggests stronger and public support of something.

we approve of that

This option expresses agreement or satisfaction with a particular action or idea.

we back that

An informal expression of supporting somehting.

we second that

This suggests agreeing with a statement or proposal, often used in formal settings.

FAQs

How to use "we encourage that" correctly in a sentence?

The phrase "we encourage that" is grammatically incomplete. To use "encourage" correctly, specify what or who you are encouraging. For example, "We encourage innovation" or "We encourage students to participate" are correct usages.

What can I say instead of "we encourage that"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "we support that", "we recommend that", or "we endorse that" to express similar ideas with better grammatical structure.

Which is correct, "we encourage that" or "we encourage it"?

While "we encourage that" is grammatically questionable, "we encourage it" is generally more acceptable as "it" refers to something specific. However, it's best to be more specific: "We encourage its use" is clearer and more grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "we encourage that" and "we encourage this"?

"We encourage that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect because it lacks a clear object, while "we encourage this" is acceptable if 'this' clearly refers to a specific action or item. However, a clearer formulation, such as "We encourage this approach", is preferable.