「Encourage」和「Support」兩個英文單字都帶有正面積極的含義，常常讓人混淆。但它們其實有微妙的差別。「Encourage」著重於給予他人勇氣和信心，激勵他們去做某件事；而「Support」則更偏向於提供實際的幫助和資源，為他人提供後盾。 簡單來說，「Encourage」是精神上的支持，「Support」則是物質或行動上的支持。

讓我們用一些例子來看看它們的區別：

Encourage (鼓勵):

• Example 1: My teacher encouraged me to participate in the speech contest. (我的老師鼓勵我參加演講比賽。) This shows the teacher gave me the confidence and motivation to join the contest.

• Example 2: He encouraged his friend to pursue his dreams, even though it was difficult. (他鼓勵他的朋友追逐夢想，即使這很困難。) This focuses on providing emotional backing and inspiring action.

• Example 3: The positive feedback encouraged her to work even harder. (正面的回饋鼓勵她更加努力。) This shows encouragement coming from external validation.

Support (支持):

• Example 1: My parents support my education financially. (我的父母在經濟上支持我的教育。) This shows direct financial assistance.

• Example 2: The company supports its employees by providing excellent benefits. (公司透過提供優渥的福利來支持員工。) This focuses on providing practical assistance and resources.

• Example 3: They support the local community by volunteering their time. (他們透過志願服務來支持當地社區。) This shows support through action and contribution.

有時，「Encourage」和「Support」可以同時使用，例如：My parents support my dreams and encourage me to work hard. (我的父母支持我的夢想，並且鼓勵我努力工作。) 這句話中，「support」指父母的經濟和精神上的支持，「encourage」則指他們給予的積極鼓勵。 但是，要記得它們的側重點不同。

Happy learning!