a deliberate provocation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deliberate provocation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or statement that is intentionally meant to provoke a reaction or response from others. Example: "His comments during the debate were seen as a deliberate provocation aimed at stirring controversy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Geithner's charge was thus a deliberate provocation.

The Guardian - Opinion

She invokes their supposed son as a deliberate provocation.

The Guardian

The controversy startled LeCompte, who hadn't designed a deliberate provocation.

The Guardian

Even choosing to speak to the ultra-right, anti-Semitic Rivarol magazine was a deliberate provocation.

Independent

Thus, in Putin's mind, what happened in the Ghouta area of Damascus was a deliberate provocation.

The New York Times

Perhaps Mr Obama's uncompromising tone was not a fault of the speech, but a deliberate provocation.

The Economist

Whatever Aunt Dawn had served, it wouldn't have been a deliberate provocation.

The New Yorker

That included two U.S. citizens, in what can only be interpreted as a deliberate provocation.

The Washington Post

Thomas's Hudson dissent reads like a deliberate provocation — a thumb in the eye of the liberal establishment.

The New Yorker

It has all the marks of a deliberate provocation that, by design or otherwise, risks blowing up the diplomatic plans.

The New York Times

At worst it was a deliberate provocation, denying to the Palestinians all pretence of US even-handedness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a deliberate provocation", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action was intentional and designed to elicit a specific reaction. Consider the connotations of 'deliberate' and 'provocation' to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a deliberate provocation" when the intent is unclear or merely suspected. Overusing the phrase can create a tone of accusation or bias where none is warranted. Opt for more neutral language if the intention is not definitively known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deliberate provocation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, describing an action or event that is intentionally designed to elicit a response, often negative or confrontational. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a deliberate provocation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an action intentionally designed to elicit a response. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as shown by Ludwig, this noun phrase serves to characterize actions with a clear intent to provoke. When using this phrase, ensure that the context sufficiently supports the claim of intentional incitement. While it's acceptable in formal writing, be mindful of the tone and the potential for misinterpretation. Alternatives like "an intentional instigation" or "a calculated affront" can provide nuanced variations, depending on the context. Overall, it is critical to be precise about what caused the effect/reaction and give some context to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intentional instigation

Focuses on the act of initiating or stirring up trouble intentionally.

a calculated affront

Highlights the planned and offensive nature of the action.

a premeditated incitement

Emphasizes the planning and the goal of stirring up strong feelings or actions.

a studied insult

Stresses the thoughtful and offensive nature of the remark or action.

a purposeful offense

Highlights the intentional nature of the offensive act.

a strategic challenge

Emphasizes the calculated risk and potential reward of the action.

a tactical maneuver

Implies the action is a calculated move within a larger plan.

a planned confrontation

Highlights the intended conflict inherent in the action.

a designed offense

Focuses on the planned aspect of causing offense.

an engineered conflict

Suggests that the conflict was carefully orchestrated.

FAQs

How can I use "a deliberate provocation" in a sentence?

You can use "a deliberate provocation" to describe an action intended to cause a reaction. For example, "His speech was seen as "a deliberate provocation" designed to incite the crowd."

What are some alternatives to "a deliberate provocation"?

Alternatives include "an intentional instigation", "a calculated affront", or "a premeditated incitement" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a deliberate provocation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a deliberate provocation" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reporting or academic analysis where the intent behind an action is being scrutinized. However, consider the tone and potential impact on your audience.

What distinguishes "a deliberate provocation" from a simple mistake?

"A deliberate provocation" implies an intentional act aimed at causing a reaction, whereas a mistake is unintentional. The key difference lies in the intent behind the action.