Disturbances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Disturbances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to disruptions or interruptions in a situation, environment, or process. Example: "The disturbances in the classroom made it difficult for the teacher to maintain focus during the lesson."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kent police said they had been looking into reports of "disturbances" at a number of polling stations but that their initial inquiries suggested no offences had taken place.

The Guardian

The couple are now accused of organising and participating in the demonstrations under an article of the country's criminal code relating to "mass disturbances".

The Guardian

Even if there were some unpredictable fluctuations in the demand for money, the resulting disturbances to nominal incomes would be much less, he believed, than would result from attempts at discretionary management by central banks.

The Guardian

The BBC has pulled a film about the experiences of rioters during last summer's disturbances just hours before it was due to be broadcast after a ruling from a judge.

The Guardian

And while a pain nerve has a sensory jurisdiction of roughly a millimetre, an itch nerve can pick up disturbances on the skin over three inches away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ritchie pulled the plug on funding in response to an upsurge of UDA-inspired violence in 2007 in Bangor and Carrickfergus, the latter disturbances linked to an inter-loyalist feud.

The Guardian

Anything that leads to reduction of growth and the ability of corals to bounce back from disturbances – and that includes dredging and port development – presents a real conundrum on the issue of keeping the reef healthy while at the same time as trying to export these commodities which themselves have an impact on climate.

The Guardian

GBR has been subject to severe disturbances, including COTS outbreaks, mass coral bleaching and declining growth rates of coral due to increasing seawater temperatures, terrestrial runoff, tropical cyclones, and coral diseases.

The Guardian

Miliband said poverty, poor education and a lack of hope and opportunity for many of those who rioted had been a major factor in the disturbances.

The Guardian

The sectarian disturbances on Monday night involving up to 1,000 loyalists have been described as "disastrous" for the city's image.

The Guardian

The solution The cause is uncertain but front-runners include disturbances in melatonin (the hormone that controls our pattern of sleeping and waking) that upset the circadian rhythm and levels of the "feelgood" hormone serotonin when there are fewer hours of daylight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Disturbances", be specific about the type of disruption. For example, specify "political disturbances" or "environmental disturbances" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "Disturbances" as a catch-all term. Instead, use more descriptive words like "riots", "protests", or "disruptions" to accurately convey the nature of the event.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Disturbances" is as a noun, typically used in its plural form. It functions as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to instances of disruption or unrest. As Ludwig suggests, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Disturbances" is a grammatically correct and very common noun used to describe disruptions, disorders, or unrest. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a versatile term found frequently in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. When using "Disturbances", it's best practice to be specific about the nature of the disruption to avoid vagueness, as using more specific words would improve clarity. Related terms include "disruptions", "commotions" and "disorders". Understanding these nuances can improve your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disruptions

Focuses on the interruption of a normal process or activity.

Disorders

Refers to a state of confusion or lack of organization, often implying a breakdown of law and order.

Commotions

Implies a noisy and chaotic disturbance.

Disruptive events

Emphasizes the event-like nature of the disturbance, highlighting its impact.

Uproars

Suggests a public display of anger or disapproval.

Turmoil

Indicates a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

Instabilities

Highlights the lack of stability caused by the disturbance.

Agitations

Implies a state of anxiety or nervous excitement.

Problems

A general term indicating issues or difficulties arising from a situation.

Disagreements

Refers to situations marked by difference of opinion, discord, or controversy.

FAQs

How can I use "Disturbances" in a sentence?

Use "Disturbances" to refer to situations of unrest, disorder, or interruption. For example: "The police were called in to quell the "disturbances"."

What are some alternatives to "Disturbances"?

Alternatives include "disruptions", "commotions", and "disorders", each carrying slightly different connotations depending on the context.

Is "Disturbances" formal or informal?

"Disturbances" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from more specific terminology.

What is the difference between "Disturbances" and "Disruptions"?

"Disturbances" often implies a more significant breach of peace or order, while "disruptions" can refer to any interruption, even minor ones.