cause a scandal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cause a scandal' is correct and acceptable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event or action that will be considered inappropriate by the public or media and cause a negative reaction. For example, "The mayor's involvement in the corruption case caused a scandal in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Its publication "as is", it was concluded, would cause a scandal in Russia.

The Guardian - Books

Mexico's greatest novelist is bemused, at 72, to find he can still cause a scandal.

The Guardian - Books

Rosenberg, concerned that his affair with Marjorie might cause a scandal, stood outside the chapel, watching from a distance.

The New Yorker

That was her crime, that was her ruin, and that was all it took to cause a scandal of major proportions.

The Guardian - Books

In "The Art of Banality" (editorial, March 22), you accuse the Jewish Museum of having "positioned" its exhibition "Mirroring Evil: Nazi Imagery/Recent Art" to cause a scandal.

The New York Times

He married Vivienne (according to this theory) in a desperate attempt to "normalize" himself, and he stayed married partly out of fear that, knowing the truth about his sexuality, she would expose him and cause a scandal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Indeed, it caused a scandal.

Yale University

Such information could have caused a scandal.

Independent

The work caused a scandal.

The Guardian - Arts

Its original unveiling caused a scandal.

The Guardian

Art caused a scandal by falling asleep.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause a scandal" to describe situations where actions or events lead to public outrage and damage reputation. Ensure the context aligns with a genuine sense of moral shock or disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "cause a scandal" for trivial incidents or minor disagreements. The phrase implies a significant breach of social norms that leads to widespread condemnation, not simply a disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a scandal" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" acts as the main verb and "a scandal" is the direct object. It describes the action of initiating or creating a public outrage or disgrace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause a scandal" is a commonly used verb phrase that accurately describes actions or events leading to public outrage and reputational damage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academic contexts, indicating its suitability for describing significant events with widespread public impact. When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context involves genuine moral shock or disapproval, avoiding overstatement for trivial matters. Consider using alternatives like "spark controversy" or "create an uproar" to capture similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ignite outrage

Highlights the intense anger and indignation provoked by an action.

create an uproar

Emphasizes the noise and public disturbance resulting from an event, similar impact.

trigger condemnation

Emphasizes the act of publicly denouncing or criticizing something.

spark controversy

Focuses on initiating a debate or disagreement, less intense than causing a scandal.

court controversy

Suggests deliberately behaving in a way that is likely to cause disagreement or offense.

precipitate a crisis

Highlights the sudden and severe impact of an action, leading to a critical situation.

invite criticism

Suggests actions that are likely to be negatively evaluated.

generate headlines

Focuses on attracting media attention, not necessarily negative.

stir up trouble

Implies creating problems or difficulties, often intentionally.

rock the boat

Indicates disrupting a stable situation, potentially leading to conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause a scandal" to describe an action or event that results in widespread public outrage or condemnation. For instance, "The politician's corrupt dealings threatened to "cause a scandal" within the government".

What are some alternatives to "cause a scandal"?

Alternatives to "cause a scandal" include "spark controversy", "create an uproar", or "ignite outrage". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cause a scandal" in formal writing?

Yes, "cause a scandal" is appropriate for formal writing when describing events that generate significant public disapproval. However, be mindful of the tone and context, as it can be perceived as dramatic.

What's the difference between "cause a scandal" and "raise eyebrows"?

"Cause a scandal" implies a major public embarrassment and strong disapproval, whereas "raise eyebrows" suggests mild surprise or disapproval. A scandal is far more serious.