cause a splash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause a splash" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to making a significant impact or gaining attention in a particular context. For example, "The new product launch is expected to cause a splash in the market." Alternative expressions include "make waves" and "turn heads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And many deals that would cause a splash in Europe would not be big enough to "transform" Citi: its market capitalisation is five times that of Deutsche, Germany's biggest bank.The idea of Citi and Deutsche getting together made some sense.

The Economist

There's no doubt that Apple being able to list 'waterproof' as one of the marquee features on a future smartphone or tablet would cause a splash, however.

TechCrunch

Woods described his opening round in south Florida as "boring" but the 14-time major winner did cause a splash when he found the water at the par-four sixth.

BBC

Think The Great Gatsby, but instead of throwing parties to lure in Daisy, he was trying to lure a big fish that could help him cause a splash into the music business.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This might cause a splashing motion, so don't be hasty when grabbing the noodles; grab them slowly.

WikiHow

In the crowded pool, his dives barely caused a splash.

The New York Times - Sports

When it opened in 1974, Jota Jota caused a splash in the telo world by decorating all its rooms individually.

The Guardian - Travel

When the groundbreaking 21c Museum Hotel, an art hotel complete with a museum showcasing living artists, opened in historic downtown Louisville, Kentucky, it caused a splash of excitement.

Independent

So executives there have looked outside their ranks, to someone who has caused a splash in the auction world before: Philippe Ségalot.

The New York Times - Arts

The Piraten ("Pirates"), dedicated to internet freedom, caused a splash when it first appeared in 2006, but has lost momentum and now gets only about 3% in polls.

The Economist

The party caused a splash with its rather xenophobic-sounding campaign against illegal asylum-seekers and its attempts to link law-and-order concerns with foreigners.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause a splash" when you want to convey that something has generated significant attention or excitement, especially in a particular field or industry. It's suitable for describing events, product launches, or announcements that have a noticeable impact.

Common error

While "cause a splash" is widely understood, it may sound too informal for highly professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "make an impact" or "attract attention" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a splash" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as a verb phrase. Ludwig confirms that it signifies generating attention or making a notable impact. Its meaning is often figurative, extending beyond the literal image of water splashing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic expression "cause a splash" describes something that generates attention or has a significant impact. While Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical status as correct, its frequency is rare. It is most commonly found in News & Media, with a neutral register suitable for a variety of general-interest content. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "make an impact". Remember to use "cause a splash" when emphasizing the noteworthiness or excitement surrounding an event, product launch, or announcement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make waves

Suggests a more disruptive or significant impact.

create a stir

Focuses on generating excitement or controversy.

attract attention

Emphasizes drawing notice without necessarily implying a strong impact.

turn heads

Highlights the act of being noticed, often due to something impressive or unusual.

make an impact

A broader term that refers to having a noticeable effect.

generate buzz

Specifically refers to creating conversation and interest around a topic.

become the talk of the town

Indicates widespread attention and discussion.

grab headlines

Focuses on attracting media attention.

set tongues wagging

Implies causing gossip or speculation.

cause a sensation

Suggests a very strong and widespread reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause a splash" to describe something that makes a notable impact or attracts a lot of attention, for example: "The company's innovative product launch is expected to "cause a splash" in the market."

What are some alternatives to "cause a splash"?

Alternatives include "make waves", "create a stir", or "attract attention". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cause a splash" or "make a splash"?

"Cause a splash" and "make a splash" are essentially interchangeable. Both idioms mean to create a noticeable impact or attract attention. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

When is it appropriate to use "cause a splash" in writing?

"Cause a splash" is suitable for news articles, blog posts, and general interest content. In more formal writing, consider alternatives like "make an impact" or "garner attention".