a storm of protest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a storm of protest' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large, strong, and widespread demonstration of disapproval or disapproval. For example, "The government's plans to raise taxes sparked a storm of protest from hundreds of people in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A storm of protest erupted.

The New York Times

The poem provoked a storm of protest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The project raised a storm of protest.

The New York Times

This caused a storm of protest in Italy.

The Economist

Tellingly, the country's neighbours united in a storm of protest.

The Economist

This brought a storm of protest from pulpit and press.

Britannica

But each effort brought a storm of protest.

The New York Times

A storm of protest greeted the pilot for Ricky Gervais's new comedy creation Derek last April.

Independent

But the information was leaked to the Berlin press, which prompted a storm of protest.

The Economist

A storm of protest around the Web ensued; Mr. Shih apologized and the post was removed.

The New York Times - Tech

After a storm of protest, he apologized, saying, "Just one of those dumb slips".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a storm of protest" to describe situations where there's a vigorous and widespread expression of public disapproval, typically triggered by a controversial decision, policy, or event. It effectively conveys the intensity and scale of opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "a storm of protest" for minor disagreements or isolated incidents. This phrase implies a significant and widespread reaction, so reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong characterization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a storm of protest" functions as a noun phrase typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant public reaction to an event or decision. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe reactions to political decisions, artistic expressions, and social issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a storm of protest" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a significant and vocal public expression of disapproval. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used across various sources, particularly in news and media, to convey the intensity and scale of opposition to a controversial issue. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context warrants such a strong characterization and avoid overstating the level of disagreement. By considering related phrases and understanding potential errors, writers can effectively communicate the magnitude of public reaction using "a storm of protest".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wave of opposition

Replaces 'storm' with 'wave', suggesting a broad and encompassing reaction against something.

an outcry of dissent

Uses 'outcry' and 'dissent' to emphasize the vocal and disagreeing nature of the reaction.

a chorus of disapproval

Changes the metaphor to 'chorus', implying a unified and vocal expression of disagreement.

widespread condemnation

Replaces the metaphorical 'storm' with the direct term 'condemnation', indicating strong disapproval.

a torrent of complaints

Uses 'torrent' to convey the overwhelming number of complaints received.

public backlash

Focuses on the negative reaction from the public, using the term 'backlash'.

fierce opposition

Highlights the intensity of the opposition, emphasizing its strength and determination.

massive resistance

Indicates a large-scale effort to oppose or prevent something.

strong objections

A more direct and less metaphorical way of expressing disagreement.

general discontent

Highlights the overall feeling of dissatisfaction and unease among a population.

FAQs

How can I use "a storm of protest" in a sentence?

You can use "a storm of protest" to describe a situation where there is a large and angry public expression of disapproval or opposition. For example, "The new regulations sparked "a storm of protest" from local residents".

What are some alternatives to saying "a storm of protest"?

Alternatives to "a storm of protest" include phrases like "a wave of opposition", "widespread condemnation", or "public backlash" depending on the specific context.

Is "a storm of protest" a formal or informal expression?

"A storm of protest" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it uses figurative language, it's commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and everyday conversations.

What causes "a storm of protest"?

A "storm of protest" typically arises in response to controversial decisions, policies, or events that generate strong public disapproval, such as tax increases, environmental damage, or social injustice.