a source of turmoil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of turmoil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes chaos, confusion, or distress in a situation or environment. Example: "The sudden changes in leadership became a source of turmoil within the organization, leading to uncertainty among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Still, a source of turmoil for motel families is a California rule that after 28 days, residents are considered tenants, gaining legal rights of occupancy.

The New York Times

Camby's tenure with the Knicks has always been a source of turmoil within the organization, with factions choosing sides after Charles Oakley, one of the team's most valuable and popular players, was traded to acquire him three years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it was the songs' very prescience that made returning to the project such a source of turmoil.

BBC

The home in the 15000 block of Rayen Street was a source of turmoil since Amier moved back in with his parents, which neighbors said happened in the last two years.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Her husband is constantly away on business and this is a source of much turmoil.

Independent

Officials said they want rules to eliminate conflicts of interest at credit rating agencies that gave top investment grades to the exotic and ultimately shaky financial instruments that have been a source of market turmoil.

The New York Times

"One has to assume her father was a great source of turmoil.

The New York Times

If a collapse does happen, central banks may face a tricky decision: do they rescue the markets and reinforce the perception that they exist to prop up asset values, or do they let the markets fall and risk contagion in the financial sector and the hit to consumer confidence that might ensue?Bond markets are also a potential source of turmoil.

The Economist

But as hard as such changes might be for cis teenagers, trans youth are often doubly confounded by adolescence, their changing bodies becoming a source of significant inner turmoil.

Huffington Post

In both books the family emerges as a source of strength in times of turmoil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For many, therapists will tell you, friendships are a source of pain, anxiety and turmoil.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of turmoil", ensure that the subject causing the turmoil is clearly identified. For example, instead of saying "The situation was a source of turmoil", specify "The new policy was a source of turmoil for the employees".

Common error

Avoid using "a source of turmoil" as a generic descriptor for any negative situation. Use it when the turmoil is significant and has widespread effects. Otherwise, consider more specific and nuanced language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of turmoil" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies the origin or cause of disturbance or disruption. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and describes something that causes chaos, confusion, or distress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a source of turmoil" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the origin or cause of significant disturbance or chaos. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and general discussions. While the phrase is not extremely common, it effectively conveys a sense of disruption and unrest. When using this phrase, ensure the subject causing the turmoil is clearly identified. Alternatives include "a cause of unrest" and "a root of chaos", offering similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause of unrest

This alternative directly replaces 'source' with 'cause' and 'turmoil' with 'unrest', both indicating disturbance.

an origin of disturbance

Simple substitution, replacing 'source' with 'origin' and 'turmoil' with 'disturbance'.

a root of chaos

Substitutes 'source' with 'root' and 'turmoil' with 'chaos', emphasizing the origin of disorder.

a wellspring of conflict

Replaces 'source' with 'wellspring' and 'turmoil' with 'conflict', highlighting a continuous supply of disagreement.

a breeding ground for strife

This alternative uses a more figurative expression, indicating a place where conflict develops.

a fountain of discord

Uses 'fountain' to represent a continuous flow and 'discord' to mean lack of agreement or harmony.

a trigger for upheaval

Focuses on the initiation of a sudden and violent disruption or change.

an instigator of disarray

Highlights the active role in causing disorder or lack of organization.

a generator of trouble

Emphasizes the creation of problems or difficulties.

a catalyst for disruption

Focuses on accelerating instability or interruption of normal progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of turmoil" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of turmoil" to describe something that causes significant disruption or distress. For example, "The controversial decision became "a source of turmoil" within the community."

What can I say instead of "a source of turmoil"?

You can use alternatives like "a cause of unrest", "a root of chaos", or "a wellspring of conflict" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a source of turmoil" or "a cause of turmoil"?

Both "a source of turmoil" and "a cause of turmoil" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Source" emphasizes origin, while "cause" emphasizes direct instigation.

Can "a source of turmoil" be positive?

While "turmoil" typically has negative connotations, it's rare but theoretically possible for "a source of turmoil" to lead to positive change in the long run, implying necessary but difficult disruption.