What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
encourage
Example
I want to encourage you to keep studying and working hard. [encourage: verb]
Example
Her words of encouragement helped me to feel more confident. [encouragement: noun]
inspire
Example
Her passion for music inspired me to start playing an instrument. [inspired: past tense]
Example
The artist's work is so inspiring, it makes me want to create something too. [inspiring: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Encourage is more commonly used than inspire in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Inspire is often used in more formal or creative contexts, such as art, literature, or speeches.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between encourage and inspire?
While encourage is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, inspire is often associated with a more formal or creative tone, making it more suitable for formal or artistic writing or speaking.
