agitating unrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agitating unrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that provoke or incite disorder or turmoil within a group or society. Example: "The activist group was accused of agitating unrest among the community, leading to protests and demonstrations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The unrest was agitating people, causing them to lower their guard.

The New Yorker

His death sentence, for "agitating people to create unrest," was commuted, first to 15 years and then to 10.

The New York Times

Apparently alluding to the United States and Britain, a top official said, "They are creating unrest in the country by agitating a handful of disruptive and subversionist groups who will follow their dictates".

The New York Times

An exceptionally popular book, The Sorrows of Young Werther gave expression to what Scottish historian and essayist Thomas Carlyle called "the nameless unrest and longing discontent which was then agitating every bosom".

Encyclopedia Britannica

While governments need to act against terrorism, perhaps better ways to deal with unrest would be to address the economic situations, political differences and human rights issues that contribute to people agitating for change.

HuffPost

Goldman kept agitating.

The New York Times - Arts

Agitating for pierced ears?

The New York Times

Some have begun agitating.

Los Angeles Times

But ongoing, low-level and occasionally violent unrest continues to agitate the kingdom despite reforms put in place following the Arab spring-inspired uprising.

The Guardian

These people would be instructed to infiltrate and agitate sufficiently to result in tribal unrest.

The New York Times

Instead, agitated depression manifests as a continual state of unrest, often with insomnia and suicidal thoughts, and sometimes the onset of psychotic symptoms.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "agitating unrest" to describe actions that deliberately seek to disrupt peace or stability within a community or political landscape. Be specific about the methods used to agitate and the nature of the unrest that follows.

Common error

Avoid using "agitating unrest" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "fomenting dissent" or "inciting instability" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agitating unrest" functions as a verbal phrase modifying a noun, describing the act of provoking or exacerbating a state of disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English, suggesting its grammatical acceptability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agitating unrest" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of provoking or worsening a state of disturbance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is acceptable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to highlight actions that deliberately create or exacerbate social or political instability. While not highly frequent, its usage is consistent. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "fomenting dissent" or "inciting instability" may be more appropriate. When using "agitating unrest", ensure the context clearly defines the methods of agitation and the nature of the resulting unrest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instigating agitation

Focuses on initiating or encouraging a state of unrest and excitement.

inciting rebellion

Focuses specifically on provoking open resistance to authority.

provoking turmoil

Emphasizes causing a state of confusion and disorder.

fueling upheaval

Suggests adding impetus to a significant disturbance or change.

fomenting discord

Highlights the sowing of disagreement and disharmony.

inflaming tensions

Focuses on intensifying existing strained relationships or situations.

stirring up trouble

A more general term for causing problems or disturbances.

sparking conflict

Highlights the initiation of disputes or battles.

breeding instability

Emphasizes the creation of conditions leading to a lack of stability.

promoting disquiet

Highlights the act of encouraging anxiety and unease.

FAQs

How can I use "agitating unrest" in a sentence?

You can use "agitating unrest" to describe the act of provoking or stirring up disturbance. For example: "The government accused foreign powers of "agitating unrest" within the country."

What are some alternatives to "agitating unrest"?

Some alternatives include "inciting rebellion", "fomenting discord", or "provoking turmoil", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "agitating unrest" a formal or informal expression?

"Agitating unrest" is suitable for neutral to moderately formal contexts, such as news reports or analytical writing. More formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "fomenting dissent".

What kind of actions might be described as "agitating unrest"?

Actions that might be described as "agitating unrest" include spreading misinformation, organizing disruptive protests, or making inflammatory speeches designed to provoke a reaction.