Many people search for incourage or encourage because both spellings look similar and sound almost the same.
This confusion appears often in emails, school writing, social media posts, and even professional documents.
When typing quickly, it is easy to add an extra in at the start and assume the word is correct.
The problem is simple but important. Only one spelling is correct in standard English, while the other is a common mistake.
Using the wrong spelling can reduce clarity, affect credibility, and make writing look unpolished especially in exams, resumes, blogs, or business communication.
This article solves that confusion clearly and quickly. You will get a direct answer, understand why the mistake happens, learn the history of the word, and see real-life examples.
By the end, you will know exactly which spelling to use, when to use it, and how to avoid this error forever.
Incourage or Encourage – Quick Answer
✅ Encourage is the correct spelling.
❌ Incourage is incorrect in standard English.
Examples:
- ✔ She tried to encourage her team.
- ❌ She tried to incourage her team.
If you want to motivate, support, or give confidence, encourage is always the right choice.
The Origin of Encourage
The word encourage comes from Old French encoragier, which is based on corage meaning heart or spirit. The idea was to put heart into someone.
- en- = to cause or make
- courage = bravery or confidence
There is no historical word called incourage in English. The mistake happens because many English words begin with in-, such as increase, include, and inform. This pattern misleads writers.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no difference between British and American English for this word.
| Language Variant | Correct Spelling |
| British English | encourage |
| American English | encourage |
| Australian English | encourage |
| Canadian English | encourage |
✔ The spelling stays the same worldwide.
Which Spelling Should You correct Use?
- 🇺🇸 US audience → use encourage
- 🇬🇧 UK/Commonwealth audience → use encourage
- 🌍 Global or SEO writing → use encourage
There is never a case where incourage is correct in modern English.
Common Mistakes with Incourage or Encourage
Here are frequent errors and their corrections:
- ❌ Incourage students to read
✔ Encourage students to read - ❌ I want to incourage you
✔ I want to encourage you - ❌ This will incourage growth
✔ This will encourage growth
Tip: If you see in + courage, remove in.
Incourage or Encourage in Everyday Examples
Emails
- ✔ We encourage feedback from customers.
News
- ✔ The program aims to encourage innovation.
Social Media
- ✔ Always encourage positive discussion.
Formal Writing
- ✔ Teachers encourage critical thinking.
Incourage vs Encourage – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that encourage or incourage is commonly searched by:
- ESL learners
- Students
- Content writers
- Job seekers
The incorrect spelling appears due to phonetic typing and auto-correct errors. However, published content, books, and news outlets only use encourage.
Comparison Table: Incourage vs Encourage
| Feature | Incourage | Encourage |
| Correct spelling | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Dictionary entry | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used in exams | ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct |
| Professional writing | ❌ Not accepted | ✅ Accepted |
| SEO-safe usage | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
FAQs
1. Is incourage ever correct?
No. It is always a spelling mistake.
2. Why do people write incourage?
Because it sounds similar and many English words start with in-.
3. Is encourage the same in UK and US English?
Yes. The spelling is identical.
4. Can incourage be used informally?
No. It is incorrect in all forms of writing.
5. What does encourage mean?
It means to support, motivate, or give confidence.
6. Is encouragement related?
Yes. It comes from encourage.
7. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think of courage inside the word: en + courage.
Conclusion
The confusion between incourage or encourage is common, but the solution is simple. Encourage is the only correct spelling in English.
It comes from a word meaning to give heart or confidence, and it has been used consistently in British, American, and global English.
The spelling incourage does not exist in dictionaries and should never be used in exams, professional writing, or online content.
Understanding the word’s origin makes it easier to remember and helps avoid repeated mistakes.
Whether you are writing an email, a blog post, an academic paper, or a social media caption, always choose encourage. Using the correct spelling improves clarity, credibility, and confidence in your writing.
Once you learn this rule, you will never confuse incourage or encourage again.
Read More:
Thankful vs Thankfull – Which Spelling Is Right?2026
I’m Daniel Whitmore, a content writer who focuses on English grammar, spelling mistakes, and word usage. I write clear, simple, and helpful articles to make English easier for students, writers, and everyday readers.
