A letter, essay, e-mail or other written form of encouragement in English serves the following purposes:
-An expression of approval and support.
-An act of giving hope or support to someone.
We use encouraging words in the English language for helping someone out especially when they are not doing well. We want to encourage each and every person to keep on doing their best.
Some Examples:
-Do not give up faith.
-Do not be discouraged.
-Do not lose hope as there will many more opportunities again.
-It has been a great incentive to get a bonus for my extra sales and I hope that this continues.
-I am confident that our Sales / Marketing team will have no trouble accepting this challenge.
-I am confident that you will make an excellent host.
-Your hard work and determination are greatly valued.
Ten Main Expressions of Encouragement to Use in Your Speaking and Writing
-You're coming along nicely.
-Keep up the good work.
-That's good effort on your part.
-You are showing real improvement.
-You're on the right track.
-Keep going and do not give up.
-Come on, you can do it
-Give it your best shot
-What have you got to lose?
-If at first you don't succeed, then you must try, try again.
Some Phrases to inspire people
(You wouldn't use these phrases often in regular conversation, but when you are writing speeches or creating motivational essays, they sound very inspirational.)
Always follow your dreams.
You should reach for the stars.
Do the impossible.
Believe in yourself.
The sky is the limit.
How To Use These Encouraging Phrases In English:
Phrases to use when someone hasn't started yet.
(You can say these phrases to someone who is trying to figure out whether or not to do something that seems difficult or risky.)
1. Give it a shot.
Example: Your friend has never asked a girl out for coffee before. You offer to introduce him to your friend since she is single.
2. Go for it.
Example: One of your colleagues at work is looking for a raise and is thinking of asking his boss for one. You encourage him to do so.
3. Why not do it?
Example: Your wife asks you if she should enroll in a cooking class on the weekends. You tell her why not do it and see what happens.
4. It’s worth a shot.
Example: Your brother wants to try out for the Varsity basketball team at his high school but is not sure if he should do it. You tell him that it is worth a shot.
5. What are you waiting for?
Example: You are waiting for your friend to go down the waterslide and have some fun. You ask him 'what are you waiting for?'
6. What do you have to lose?
Example: Your brother asks you whether or not he should take his girlfriend on a nice vacation to Italy this Summer. You tell him, "What do you have to lose?"
7. You might as well.
Example: Your professor asks you to see her after class to do some extra work so you can understand the class material better. "You might as well" to get a better grade.
8. Just do it.
Example: The famous Nike slogan but whenever you are put to the challenge physically or mentally, you say to yourself or others, "Just do it."
Phrases to use when someone is already doing well.
(You can "encourage" someone to continue doing what they are already doing.)
1. There you go!
Example: You hit a home run to tie the baseball game and your teammates cheer you on.
2. Keep up the good work.
Example: You get an 'A' on your history exam and your professor commends you for your good work.
3. Keep it up.
Example: You are running in a Track and Field race and you have one lap to go. Your coach urges you to finish strong.
4. Good job!
Example: You improve your Grade Point Average (GPA) by a few percentage points and your parents want to congratulate you.
5. I’m so proud of you!
Example: You tell your grandmother about you getting in to your dream college and she exclaims how proud of you she is.
Phrases to use when someone is having trouble.
(These phrases are ways to tell someone to keep doing something even when it is difficult.)
1. Hang in there.
Example: Even though you have to hike for another hour, you need to 'hang in there.'
2. Don’t give up.
Example: Life can be difficult but you need to persevere through its challenges by not giving up.
3. Keep pushing.
Example: Even though the weights you're lifting are very heavy, keep pushing and get them done.
4. Keep fighting.
Example: You have three rounds left to fight against the heavyweight champion of the world.
5. Stay Strong.
Example: I know losing a pet is very sad and difficult but you have to stay strong for your siblings.
6. Never give up. Never give in.
Example: Even when you have schoolwork, a job, and a mortgage to pay, don't give up or give in.
7. Never say ‘die’.
Example: Anything is possible in life so there is a chance that your dreams can come true.
8. Come on! You can do it!
Example: When you have 500 meters left to swim and you're in first place. You have the ability to win the race.
Phrases to use when someone is facing a hard decision.
(These phrases are ways to tell someone to keep trying)
1. I will support you either way.
Example: If you choose not to go to college and join the Army instead, I will support you either way.
2. I’m behind you 100%.
Example: Your family should be behind you 100% as long as you are working hard to better yourself.
3. It’s your call.
Example: I'm not sure where to go out tonight, sweetheart, 'it's your call.'
As you can see, there are numerous examples in English of this kind of supportive language. Words and phrases of encouragement play a key role in showing the person(s) or people that you care about them and that you want them to succeed. If you have a friend, family member, or a work colleague who is a native English speaker and you want to encourage them to improve, get better, or to do their best, you’ll want to use some of these examples listed above.
There’s not much that can make a person’s day more than receiving some encouragement so they can face their challenges head on and succeed in their goals. This list of vocabulary words and phrases will help you do just that as an English learner in both your speaking and writing abilities. In the English language, there are dozens if not hundreds of these vocabulary words but if you are able to put them to good use, you'll be seen as being more proficient in the language. You will also be better able to connect emotionally with people and gain a few new friends through your kind words and actions.