bouts of unrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bouts of unrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe periods of disturbance, agitation, or conflict, often in a social or political context. Example: "The country experienced several bouts of unrest following the controversial election results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr Bashir called the protesters "bubbles" that would presumably be blown away.Sudan has suffered periodic bouts of unrest.

The Economist

Though Benghazi was the first city to throw off Qaddafi's rule, bouts of unrest have kept it on edge.

The Economist

Mr Morsi has shielded the army and police from scrutiny of repressive tactics that left perhaps a thousand Egyptians dead in repeated bouts of unrest.

The Economist

Thailand has been wracked by repeated bouts of unrest since the military ousted Thaksin in 2006 amid charges of corruption and alleged disrespect for the monarchy.

Independent

The DRC has suffered repeated bouts of unrest since the president, Joseph Kabila, announced that elections scheduled for later this year would be delayed.

The Guardian

But to the world beyond Westminster, a ten-minute prime minister would surely seem a transparent and absurd ruse.Previous bouts of unrest have likewise suggested a worrying divorce from reality.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They have little to lose by taking to the streets.The latest bout of unrest in Fushun and other north-eastern cities was sparked by official attempts to pay off redundant workers and leave them to fend for themselves.

The Economist

At least two people were shot dead on Wednesday during anti-government protests in Caracas, escalating the worst bout of unrest in Venezuela since turmoil after Maduro's election last year.

The Guardian

It is hard to imagine any of Castro's potential successors having the authority to pull off such a move, and a bout of unrest might spread across the island if left unchecked, or if the security forces overreact.

The New Yorker

A previous bout of unrest in 2011 began within the army and spread among the populace and opposition parties.

Huffington Post

The latest bout of unrest has so far claimed seven lives in clashes between the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood and opponents who are also gathering outside Mursi's presidential palace.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bouts of unrest", ensure the context clearly defines the cause or location of the unrest to provide clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "bouts of unrest" without specifying the underlying issues. Vague usage can weaken your argument. Instead, mention the specific triggers, such as "economic inequality" or "political instability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bouts of unrest" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes recurring or intermittent periods of civil disturbance or social agitation, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bouts of unrest" is a grammatically correct and usable term in written English, primarily used to describe recurring periods of disturbance, agitation, or conflict. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the cyclical nature of instability in social or political situations. When using this phrase, consider specifying the causes or locations of the unrest for clarity. Alternatives such as "periods of turbulence" or "episodes of disturbance" can be used to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

periods of turbulence

Focuses on the instability and disruption during certain times.

episodes of disturbance

Highlights specific instances of disruption or disorder.

spells of turmoil

Emphasizes the chaotic and unsettling nature of the events.

waves of agitation

Suggests a widespread and rising level of public discontent.

cycles of instability

Points to recurring patterns of disruption and uncertainty.

outbreaks of disorder

Highlights sudden and disruptive events that break the peace.

times of upheaval

Focuses on significant and transformative periods of disruption.

seasons of conflict

Implies a prolonged period marked by antagonism and struggle.

eruptions of protest

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful expression of public dissent.

surges of revolt

Suggests a strong and widespread opposition to authority.

FAQs

How can I use "bouts of unrest" in a sentence?

You can use "bouts of unrest" to describe recurring periods of civil disturbance, for example: "The country experienced several "bouts of unrest" following the election results".

What phrases are similar to "bouts of unrest"?

Similar phrases include "periods of turbulence", "episodes of disturbance", or "spells of turmoil", which all refer to periods of instability and disruption.

Is "bouts of unrest" formal or informal?

"Bouts of unrest" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is common in news reports, academic analyses, and general discussions about social or political instability.

What causes "bouts of unrest"?

"Bouts of unrest" can be triggered by various factors, including economic inequality, political grievances, social injustice, or a combination of these issues.