a grassroots backlash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grassroots backlash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, collective reaction from ordinary people against a particular policy, decision, or trend, often arising from local or community-level sentiments. Example: "The new policy faced a grassroots backlash, with community members organizing protests to voice their discontent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

You only opposed it later, after a grassroots backlash.

The Guardian

Journalists came to Liverpool expecting to find evidence of a grassroots backlash against Nick Clegg's decision to go into coalition with the Tories.

The Guardian

Finally, unable to ignore a grassroots backlash that's quickly grown large enough to threaten his state's economic future, Indiana governor Mike Pence held a press conference to call for a legislative "fix" for a law he spent the last week saying wasn't broken.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It will take a tidal wave of grassroots backlash and political will in both parties to redress this ongoing scandal.

Huffington Post

The powerful grassroots backlash against Indiana's anti-gay "religious freedom" law is yielding results and inspiring hope.

Huffington Post

In a backlash to those comments, Aceh residents began a grassroots campaign to collect coins to repay the aid.

The Guardian

His current attack on unions, social services, and working families has triggered a huge backlash that catalyzed huge protests last year and now a grassroots movement to recall him from office.

Huffington Post

A grassroots protest was quickly seen off.

The Economist

The idea of a "grassroots Israel" paled.

The Guardian

"It's not really a grassroots movement".

The Guardian

"They haven't been a grassroots ally".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a grassroots backlash", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the opposition or reaction is originating from ordinary citizens rather than from established organizations or political groups. Use it to emphasize the organic and spontaneous nature of the response.

Common error

Avoid using "a grassroots backlash" to describe reactions orchestrated by political parties or corporations. This term is specifically used when ordinary citizens are responsible for the reaction, not organized entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grassroots backlash" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of reaction—one that originates from the general public rather than from established institutions. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grassroots backlash" is a noun phrase used to describe a strong, negative reaction originating from ordinary citizens. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It is primarily found in news and media contexts and implies a spontaneous, community-driven opposition. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects its origin and nature, avoiding its application to reactions orchestrated by established entities. Alternatives include phrases like ""a popular outcry"" or ""a public revolt"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a popular outcry

Emphasizes the public's expression of strong disapproval or protest.

a public revolt

Indicates a more forceful and direct expression of opposition.

a wave of public dissent

Highlights the widespread disagreement and objection from the populace.

a community uprising

Focuses on the local or community-based nature of the opposition.

a groundswell of opposition

Suggests a gradually building and increasingly powerful resistance.

a people's protest

Highlights that the action has a collective nature and is caused by average citizens.

a surge of discontent

Emphasizes the rising level of unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

a swell of disapproval

Implies a growing level of disagreement or condemnation.

a citizens' revolt

Points to the ordinary citizens who take part in the action.

a base-level rebellion

Synonymous in that it is a rebellion coming from the most basic level or people.

FAQs

What does "a grassroots backlash" mean?

The phrase "a grassroots backlash" refers to a strong negative reaction or protest that originates from the general public or ordinary citizens, rather than from established political or corporate entities. It implies a spontaneous and community-driven opposition to a policy, decision, or trend.

How can I use "a grassroots backlash" in a sentence?

You can use "a grassroots backlash" to describe a situation where a policy or action causes a significant negative response from the general public. For example: "The new tax law sparked "a grassroots backlash", with citizens organizing protests and online campaigns."

What are some alternatives to "a grassroots backlash"?

Alternatives to "a grassroots backlash" include "a popular outcry", "a public revolt", or "a wave of public dissent". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a grassroots backlash" different from a general "backlash"?

Yes, "a grassroots backlash" specifies that the backlash is coming from ordinary citizens or the general public, emphasizing the bottom-up nature of the opposition. A general "backlash" might come from any source, including organized political groups or corporations.