The correct spelling is encourage. The word incourage is generally incorrect in modern standard English. Encourage means to give someone confidence, support, hope, or motivation to do something.
This spelling confusion is common because both forms sound similar when spoken quickly. However, the standard English word begins with en-, not in-. Learning the correct spelling will help you write clearer school assignments, emails, articles, and everyday messages.
Quick Answer
Encourage is the correct spelling. Incourage is an incorrect or outdated form and should not be used in modern standard English. Encourage means to support, motivate, or give confidence to someone.
Why People Confuse Incourage and Encourage
People often confuse these words because the beginning sounds can be similar in some accents. The letters en may sound close to in during fast speech.
Another reason is that English has many words beginning with in-, such as:
- Inform
- Include
- Invite
- Inspire
However, the correct spelling of this word is encourage, with en- at the beginning.
First Word: Incourage
Incourage is generally considered an incorrect spelling in modern English.
You may occasionally see it in older texts or historical writing, but it is not the normal modern form. In schoolwork, professional writing, and online content, use encourage instead.
Incorrect: My parents always incourage me to study.
Correct: My parents always encourage me to study.
Second Word: Encourage
Encourage is the correct and standard English spelling.
It means:
- To give someone confidence
- To motivate someone
- To offer support
- To inspire someone to continue
- To persuade someone positively to do something
Examples
- Teachers encourage students to ask questions.
- Her friends encouraged her to apply for the job.
- We should encourage healthy habits.
- His kind words encouraged me to try again.
Comparison Table
| Word | Correct? | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| incourage | ❌ No in modern standard English | Intended to mean support or motivate | Incorrect or outdated form |
| encourage | ✅ Yes | To support, motivate, or give confidence | Standard English |
| encouraged | ✅ Yes | Supported or motivated someone | Past tense |
| encouraging | ✅ Yes | Giving hope, confidence, or support | Present participle |
| encouragement | ✅ Yes | Support or motivation | Noun |
When to Use Each
Use Encourage
Use encourage when talking about giving support, confidence, or motivation.
Examples:
- Parents encourage their children.
- Coaches encourage their players.
- Good teachers encourage learning.
- Friends encourage each other during difficult times.
Use Encouraged
Use encouraged for the past tense.
Examples:
- She encouraged me to continue.
- The teacher encouraged the class.
- His advice encouraged us.
Use Encouraging
Use encouraging when describing something that gives hope or confidence.
Examples:
- The results are encouraging.
- She gave me an encouraging smile.
- His progress is very encouraging.
Do Not Use Incourage
Avoid incourage in modern standard English. Replace it with encourage.
12 Examples of Encourage
- My parents encourage me to work hard.
- Teachers encourage students to read regularly.
- Her friends encouraged her to follow her dreams.
- We should encourage children to speak politely.
- The coach encouraged the team before the match.
- His success encouraged me to try again.
- Please encourage your brother during this difficult time.
- Good leaders encourage teamwork.
- The doctor encouraged him to exercise regularly.
- She always encourages me when I feel nervous.
- Positive feedback can encourage better performance.
- The manager encouraged employees to share new ideas.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using Incourage
Incorrect: We should incourage students to participate.
Correct: We should encourage students to participate.
Mistake 2: Confusing the First Two Letters
The correct word begins with en, not in.
- Encourage ✅
- Incourage ❌
Mistake 3: Misspelling Related Words
The same spelling pattern appears in related forms:
- Encourage
- Encouraged
- Encouraging
- Encouragement
- Encouragingly
Do not change en- to in-.
Mistake 4: Confusing Encourage and Force
To encourage someone means to support or motivate them. It does not necessarily mean forcing them to do something.
Encourage: The teacher encouraged me to participate.
Force: The teacher forced me to participate.
These words have different meanings.
Memory Trick
Remember this simple phrase:
ENCOURAGE = EN + COURAGE
The word contains courage, which means bravery or confidence.
When you encourage someone, you help give them courage.
Think:
Give someone courage → encourage
This memory trick can help you remember the correct beginning.
American vs British English
There is no spelling difference between American and British English.
Both varieties use:
encourage
The related forms are also spelled the same:
- Encouraged
- Encouraging
- Encouragement
The word has the same general meaning in both forms of English.
Similar Words
Here are some words related to encourage:
- Motivate — to give someone a reason or desire to act
- Support — to help someone emotionally or practically
- Inspire — to create enthusiasm or confidence
- Cheer — to make someone feel happier or more hopeful
- Urge — to strongly advise someone to do something
- Reassure — to make someone feel less worried
- Praise — to express approval or admiration
- Strengthen — to make someone or something stronger
Encourage vs Motivate
Encourage focuses on giving support or confidence.
Motivate focuses on creating a reason or desire to act.
Example:
- Her words encouraged me.
- The reward motivated me to finish the task.
Final Verdict
The correct modern English spelling is encourage.
- Incourage ❌ — incorrect or outdated form
- Encourage ✅ — correct standard spelling
- Encouraged ✅ — past tense
- Encouraging ✅ — describing support or hope
- Encouragement ✅ — support or motivation
Remember that encourage contains courage. If you want to give someone confidence or motivation, use encourage.
FAQs
Is incourage a correct word?
No. Incourage is generally incorrect in modern standard English. The correct spelling is encourage.
What is the correct spelling: incourage or encourage?
The correct spelling is encourage.
What does encourage mean?
Encourage means to support, motivate, inspire, or give confidence to someone.
Why is incourage incorrect?
The standard modern English spelling begins with en-, not in-. Therefore, encourage is correct.
Is encourage a verb?
Yes. Encourage is a verb. It describes the action of giving someone support, confidence, or motivation.
What is the past tense of encourage?
The past tense is encouraged.
Example: The teacher encouraged me to study.
What is the noun form of encourage?
The noun form is encouragement.
Example: Her encouragement helped me succeed.
What is the adjective form of encourage?
The common adjective form is encouraging.
Example: The news was encouraging.
How can I remember the spelling of encourage?
Remember that encourage contains the word courage. To encourage someone is to help give them courage.
Is incourage used in British English?
No. Modern British English uses encourage, just like American English. Incourage may appear in rare historical contexts, but it is not the normal modern spelling.
Remember This
Incourage ❌
Encourage ✅
The correct word starts with en and contains courage:
EN + COURAGE = ENCOURAGE
Conclusion
The difference between incourage and encourage is mainly a spelling issue. Encourage is the correct modern English word, while incourage is generally incorrect or outdated. Encourage means to give someone confidence, support, hope, or motivation.
Whenever you want to describe helping someone feel confident or motivated, use encourage. The easiest way to remember the spelling is to connect it with the word courage: when you encourage someone, you help give them courage.
Julian Luke is a passionate grammar and language writer at Synolexes. He simplifies complex grammar rules, vocabulary, and writing concepts, helping learners improve their English communication skills with confidence.
