a state of upheaval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state of upheaval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation characterized by significant change, disorder, or turmoil. Example: "The country was in a state of upheaval following the sudden change in government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Diyarbakir was in a state of upheaval.

The New Yorker

"Laura's been in a state of upheaval and turmoil because of this case," Mr. Emery said.

The New York Times

Now the board, in a state of upheaval, is moving quickly to interview several internal candidates.

The New York Times

The rest of American health care is also being reinvented.Doctors, hospitals and clinics are in a state of upheaval.

The Economist

Yet some say that if everything is in a state of upheaval already, change becomes easier to bring about.

The Economist

But with the team in a state of upheaval, it was decided a more seasoned and engaging personality was required.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

OUTLOOK -- The franchise is in a state of constant upheaval.

The New York Times - Sports

Education is now slithering, like the NHS, into a state of constant upheaval, the political reorganisation of failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Given that Peru is in a state of political upheaval, many believe any guarantees should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Independent

Yet in Britain, for all the talk of the "knowledge-based economy", secondary schooling and vocational training are in a state of permanent upheaval and universities are underfunded.That is a particular pity, because a more coherent educational system might help to deal with another problem too: a growing social malaise and lack of cohesion.

The Economist

With Egypt in a state of political upheaval, the ambassadorial pick for Cairo has emerged as one of the most important diplomatic assignments for President Obama, who made a warmly received policy speech to the Islamic world in Cairo in June 2009.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a state of upheaval", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the upheaval. Providing specific details strengthens the impact and clarity of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "a state of upheaval" vaguely. Instead of saying "The situation is in a state of upheaval", specify which situation and what aspects are undergoing significant change or disruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of upheaval" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in describing conditions of significant disruption or turmoil, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a state of upheaval" effectively describes situations of significant disruption and instability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, wiki, and scientific sources. While common, it's important to use the phrase with specificity, clearly indicating what is experiencing the upheaval to maximize clarity and impact. Alternatives like "a period of turmoil" or "a time of great disruption" can offer nuanced variations, depending on the intended emphasis. In summary, "a state of upheaval" is a versatile and appropriate choice for conveying a sense of disorder and change, provided it's used precisely and thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of turmoil

Focuses on the duration and intensity of the disturbance.

a time of great disruption

Highlights the disruptive nature of the situation.

a situation of instability

Emphasizes the lack of stability and predictability.

a condition of chaos

Suggests a complete lack of order and control.

a moment of crisis

Highlights the critical and potentially dangerous nature of the situation.

a phase of transformation

Focuses on the changing nature of the situation, often implying significant change.

a period of dramatic change

Emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the changes occurring.

a time of unrest

Highlights public dissatisfaction and potential for conflict.

a climate of uncertainty

Focuses on the lack of clarity and predictability about the future.

a scene of disorder

Highlights the lack of structured organization or control.

FAQs

How can I use "a state of upheaval" in a sentence?

You can use "a state of upheaval" to describe situations characterized by significant disruption or turmoil. For example, "The political landscape is in "a state of upheaval" following the recent elections."

What are some alternatives to "a state of upheaval"?

Some alternatives to "a state of upheaval" include "a period of turmoil", "a time of great disruption", or "a situation of instability" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a state of upheaval" or "in upheaval"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a state of upheaval" emphasizes the condition or situation, while "in upheaval" focuses more on the action or process. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "a state of upheaval" be used to describe personal situations?

Yes, "a state of upheaval" can be used to describe personal or internal experiences, such as emotional turmoil or significant life changes. For example, "After the loss, her life was in "a state of upheaval"."