"incentive to" vs "incentive for"

Question

"incentive to" vs "incentive for"

Both 'incentive to' and 'incentive for' are commonly used in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Incentive to' is used when referring to the action that the incentive encourages, while 'incentive for' is used when referring to the reason or purpose for the incentive.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

Use 'incentive to' when referring to the action that the incentive encourages. For example, 'The bonus provided an incentive to work harder.'

Examples:

The reward system provides an incentive to increase productivity.
The promotion serves as an incentive to excel in one's work.
The scholarship offers an incentive to pursue higher education.
The discount offers an incentive to shop at the store.
The recognition program provides an incentive to perform well.

Alternatives:

motivation to
encouragement to
stimulus to
reason to

Use 'incentive for' when referring to the reason or purpose for the incentive. For example, 'The bonus was an incentive for employees to stay with the company.'

Examples:

The bonus was an incentive for employees to work harder.
The scholarship serves as an incentive for students to pursue higher education.
The discount is an incentive for customers to make a purchase.
The recognition program is an incentive for employees to perform well.
The promotion provides an incentive for employees to excel in their work.

Alternatives:

motivation for
encouragement for
stimulus for
reason for

Answer 1

incentive to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

incentive for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"incentive to" vs "incentive for"

incentive to

incentive for

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