What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foster
Example
The school aims to foster a love of learning in its students. [foster: verb]
Example
The foster parents provided a safe and loving home for the child. [foster: adjective]
encourage
Example
I always encourage my friends to follow their dreams. [encourage: verb]
Example
The teacher's encouragement helped the student to believe in themselves. [encouragement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Encourage is more commonly used than foster in everyday language. Encourage is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while foster is less common and refers to a deeper level of care and attention.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between foster and encourage?
Both foster and encourage can be used in formal and informal contexts, but foster may be more associated with a formal tone due to its less common usage.
