What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
urge
Example
I urge you to reconsider your decision. [urge: verb]
Example
The doctor urged the patient to quit smoking immediately. [urged: past tense]
Example
There is an urgent need to address climate change. [urgent: adjective]
encourage
Example
I encourage you to pursue your dreams. [encourage: verb]
Example
Her parents always encouraged her to do her best. [encouraged: past tense]
Example
The teacher's positive feedback encouraged the student to keep trying. [encouraged: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Encourage is more commonly used than urge in everyday language. Encourage is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while urge is less common and more forceful in its meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between urge and encourage?
Both urge and encourage can be used in formal and informal contexts, but urge may be perceived as more formal due to its intensity and forcefulness.
