a provocation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a provocation for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something serves as a stimulus or incitement for a particular action or response. Example: "The controversial article was seen as a provocation for heated debates among the readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It's a provocation for the market," said Mr. Perrone, who is 39.

The New York Times

The fugue has also served as a provocation for contemporary composers.

The New York Times - Arts

"Historically, it was a provocation for black men to wear the uniform, to claim that role," Stevenson said.

The New Yorker

Ms. Ivekovic also named her golden lady for the martyred Marxist Rosa Luxemburg, quite a provocation for one of Europe's banking capitals.

The New York Times - Arts

The left is now pushing an old point with what they are portraying as an urgent new twist: that the settlements are an obstacle to peace and a provocation for the present violence.

The New York Times

So the left is pushing an old point with what they are portraying as an urgent new twist: that the settlements are an obstacle to peace and a provocation for the present violence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"I am not so sure that even classic films really live on now – and that means ultimately that maybe film is really an entertainment, or a provocation, just for a specific time".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Various groups are arming themselves, and it may take only a minor provocation for open conflict to break out".

The New York Times

Palestinians say that Ariel Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount was a deliberate provocation for his own political purposes, and that is true.

The New York Times

In a special provocation for the tabloid press, Article 8 is also much-cited by famous folk trying to protect their privacy.To Conservative backbenchers, the answer is simple.

The Economist

In a Shavian provocation for the age of Fox News, this play, at the Flea Theater, tells three disturbing and loosely connected stories — from the 1960s, the 1980s and the present — about the conflicts surrounding abortion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a provocation for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being provoked. The sentence should make it evident what reaction or action is expected as a result of the provocation.

Common error

Avoid using "a provocation for" without specifying what or who is being provoked. A lack of clarity can make the sentence confusing or ambiguous. Be precise in defining what is instigated by the provocation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a provocation for" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional complement. It identifies something that serves as a stimulus or cause, often leading to a reaction or action. Ludwig examples show its usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a provocation for" is a grammatically correct phrase commonly used to denote something that incites a reaction or response. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in neutral to formal contexts such as news and scientific articles. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being provoked to avoid ambiguity. Although the phrase is correct and usable, alternatives such as “a stimulus for” or “an impetus for” may offer a more precise meaning in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impetus for

Stresses the driving force or motivation behind an action.

a stimulus for

Highlights the role of prompting or encouraging an action or development.

a catalyst for

Implies accelerating or initiating a process, often chemical or abstract.

a motivation for

Emphasizes the psychological reasons behind an action.

a cause for

Focuses on providing a reason or justification, rather than necessarily inciting a reaction.

a basis for

Indicates the underlying foundation or grounds for something.

a spark for

Emphasizes a sudden and often dramatic beginning or trigger.

a reason for

Similar to "a cause for", but more directly emphasizes the logical basis for something.

a justification for

Focuses on providing a moral or legal basis for an action.

a pretext for

Suggests a reason that is not the real reason, often used to conceal true intentions.

FAQs

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

Use "a provocation for" to describe something that incites a reaction or response. For example, "The government's new policy was seen as "a provocation for" widespread protests".

What are some alternatives to using "a provocation for"?

You can use alternatives like "a cause for", "a stimulus for", or "an impetus for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a provocation for" and "a reason for"?

"A provocation for" implies incitement to action or reaction, often negative, while "a reason for" simply indicates a justification or explanation. "A reason for" does not necessarily imply a subsequent action.

When is it appropriate to use "a provocation for" in writing?

Use "a provocation for" when you want to emphasize that something is intended to, or has the effect of, causing a reaction, often involving conflict or strong disagreement. It is suitable for describing events that stir up controversy or incite responses.