cause a controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause a controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions, statements, or events that lead to public disagreement or debate. Example: "The politician's remarks about climate change caused a controversy among environmental activists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"No detail is too small or too fleeting to cause a controversy," a CNN anchor noted.

The New York Times

Neagle, who said Thursday that he did not want to cause a controversy if he did not start, was visibly upset yesterday when he was asked about Torre's evaluation.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a story about a cat without an ethnicity, a history, or anything else that can cause a controversy.

Huffington Post

Even though The Simpsons' staff slightly altered the episode by not actually showing Homer smoke his medicinal marijuana, the network was still worried that it might cause a controversy.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The suggestion that pensioners should contribute more has already caused a controversy.

The Guardian

The hospital's corrective measures after the two deaths are causing a controversy of their own.

The New York Times - Style

His column caused a controversy at the time, but everyone accepts he was right now.

The Guardian - Opinion

A man in Oregon has caused a controversy, because he's written a children's book about marijuana.

The New York Times

He caused a controversy in France when he submitted a project to rebuild the Greek temple at Paestum, southern Italy.

The Guardian - Arts

RICKEY HENDERSON and the former Met BOBBY BONILLA caused a controversy by playing cards in the clubhouse during Game 6 of the National League Championship Series last year.

The New York Times - Sports

The size of the cutback has also caused a controversy between Ocean Spray, which controls about 70percentt of the nation's harvest, and some smaller competitors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause a controversy", ensure that the subject of your sentence clearly identifies the source of the disagreement or debate.

Common error

Avoid using "cause a controversy" for minor disagreements or when the issue only affects a small group of people. Reserve this phrase for situations with widespread public debate or significant repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a controversy" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" is the verb indicating the action of initiating or generating, and "a controversy" is the noun phrase representing the resulting public disagreement or debate. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause a controversy" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-registered verb phrase used to describe situations where an action, statement, or event leads to significant public disagreement. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it's essential to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant widespread debate, avoiding its use in minor disagreements. Alternatives like "spark a debate" or "ignite a dispute" may offer nuanced expressions of the same concept. Therefore, when incorporating it into your writing, ensure your subject clearly identifies the source of disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark a debate

Emphasizes initiating a formal discussion or argument.

set off a firestorm

Indicates a sudden, intense, and widespread reaction, often negative.

ignite a dispute

Suggests a more heated and potentially prolonged disagreement.

provoke an uproar

Suggests a loud and forceful public expression of disapproval.

trigger a backlash

Highlights a strong, negative reaction from a significant group.

foment discord

Implies deliberately stirring up conflict or disagreement.

generate a furor

Implies widespread excitement and potential outrage.

incite contention

Highlights encouraging argument or struggling.

create a stir

Indicates causing excitement or interest, not necessarily negative.

raise hackles

Means to provoke or irritate, often resulting in defensive reactions.

FAQs

How can I use "cause a controversy" in a sentence?

Use "cause a controversy" to describe an action, statement, or event that leads to widespread public disagreement or debate. For example, "The new policy is likely to "cause a controversy" among employees".

What are some alternatives to "cause a controversy"?

Alternatives include "spark a debate", "ignite a dispute", or "create a stir", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "cause a controversy" or "spark a controversy"?

Both "cause a controversy" and "spark a controversy" are correct. "Spark a controversy" emphasizes the initiation of the disagreement, while "cause a controversy" focuses on the resulting widespread debate.

What makes something "cause a controversy"?

A statement, action, or event that sharply divides public opinion or challenges established norms is likely to "cause a controversy".