The verb “encourage” is a fundamental part of English grammar, often used to express motivation, support, or inspiration. Whether you’re writing, speaking, or teaching, understanding how to use “encourage” correctly—such as whether it takes “to V” or “V-ing”—can significantly improve your fluency. This guide will explore the definition, structures, and common usage of “encourage”, along with practical examples and exercises to solidify your understanding.
1. What Does “Encourage” Mean?
“Encourage” (/ɪnˈkɜrɪdʒ/) is a regular verb in English, meaning to motivate, inspire, or support someone to do something. It can also refer to fostering a positive attitude or behavior.
Examples:
- My parents encouraged me to study harder.
- We should encourage children to read more books.
Forms of “Encourage”:
- Base form: encourage
- Past simple & past participle: encouraged
Word Family:
- Verb: encourage
- Adjective: encouraging (inspiring)
- Noun: encouragement (the act of motivating)
Position in a Sentence:
- “Encourage” typically follows the subject and precedes the object.
- It can also follow adverbs of frequency (e.g., often, always).
Example:
Teachers often encourage us to speak our thoughts.
2. Common Structures with “Encourage”
Understanding the correct structure is key to using “encourage” accurately. Below are the most common patterns:
2.1. Encourage + Object + to Verb
This structure means motivating someone to do something specific.
Structure: Subject + encourage + Object + to Verb
Examples:
- Libraries encourage students to borrow course books.
- My friend strongly encourages everyone to go and see this fascinating movie.
- My sister encourages me to accept that contract.
2.2. Passive Form: Be Encouraged + to Verb
This structure indicates someone being motivated to do something.
Structure: Subject + to be + encouraged + to Verb
Examples:
- Students are encouraged to borrow course books from libraries.
- Everyone was encouraged to go and see this fascinating movie.
- I’m encouraged to buy a new MacBook.
2.3. Encourage + V-ing (Gerund)
This structure is used to support or promote a general action or behavior.
Structure: Subject + encourage + V-ing
Examples:
- We encourage speaking your opinions in the debate.
- The government encourages using public transportation.
2.4. Encourage + Object (Person/Thing)
This structure means motivating a person or thing directly.
Examples:
- This exhibition encourages the creativity of young artists.
- He always encourages his girlfriend to pursue her dreams.
2.5. Encourage + Someone + in + Something
This structure means supporting someone in a specific endeavor.
Examples:
- Andy’s parents have always encouraged him in his choice of career.
- My friends encourage me in my bad times.
2.6. Encourage + Something + in + Someone/Something
This structure is used to foster a quality or behavior in a person or group.
Examples:
- The teacher encourages creativity in her students.
- The government is encouraging participation in community activities.
3. “Encourage to V” or “Encourage V-ing”?
A common question is whether “encourage” should be followed by “to V” or “V-ing”. The answer depends on the context:
- “Encourage + to V” is used when motivating someone to do something specific.
- “Encourage + V-ing” is used when promoting a general action or behavior.
Examples:
- The company encourages employees to come up with new ideas. (Specific action)
- The government encourages using public transportation. (General behavior)
4. Tips for Using “Encourage” Effectively
To emphasize strong motivation, you can pair “encourage” with adverbs like:
- Strongly
- Heartily
- Enthusiastically
Examples:
- I strongly encourage you to apply for this scholarship.
- The committee heartily encourages all members to share their ideas.
- She enthusiastically encourages her students to explore new interests.
5. “Encourage” vs. “Motivate” vs. “Stimulate”
While all three verbs involve inspiring action, they have distinct nuances:
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Encourage | To motivate someone to do something to achieve a goal | I encourage you to study harder. |
| Motivate | To inspire someone to act, often by creating internal drive | His success motivated others to work harder. |
| Stimulate | To spark interest or change, often leading to development | The new policy stimulates economic growth. |
6. Verbs with Similar Structures to “Encourage”
Many verbs in English follow the same pattern as “encourage”: Subject + Verb + Object + to Verb. Here are some examples:
- Tell: Mom told me to clean the bathroom today.
- Force: The cops forced the thief to hand in the money.
- Persuade: My brother persuaded me to help him with the math exercises.
- Order: My boss ordered me to write him 2 reports per day.
- Warn: The sign warns us not to get in.
- Invite: Sam invited us to join his team.
- Advise: Jack advised me to go with him.
- Allow: Dad allows me to stay up late on weekends.
Verbs with similar usage to "encourage" in English
7. Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form of “Encourage”
My parents always ___ me a lot. I’m thankful for that.
- A. encourage
- B. encourages
- C. encouraged
The new bonuses will encourage the employees ___ more actively.
- A. to work
- B. work
- C. working
Schools should encourage students ___ more about their opinions.
- A. to cry
- B. to express
- C. to shout
Andy ___ at work by his boss.
- A. encourages
- B. is encouraged
- C. was encouraged
It is ___ that we work on the project together.
- A. encourage
- B. encouraging
- C. encouraged
Exercise 2: Find and Correct the Mistakes
- My friends encouraged me finish the running race.
- Maybe Sarah could try to encourage he to go to the dentist.
- Their performance in the final episode was very encouraging.
- Parker was encouraging to continue her research.
- Children always need lots of encourages from their parents.
Answers
Exercise 1:
- A
- A
- B
- B
- C
Exercise 2:
- finish → to finish
- he to go → him to go
- encouraging → encouraged
- encouraging → encouraged
- encourages → encouragements