cause a stir

USAGE SUMMARY

'cause a stir' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe an event or action which has generated a lot of interest, debate, or controversy. For example, "The mayor's decision to cut taxes caused a stir among the city's residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A new move on Germany would cause a stir, but not on the scale of a decade ago.

The Guardian - Tech

"We knew it would cause a stir".

The New York Times - Sports

Didn't their flouting of convent rules cause a stir?

The New York Times

The Wolfpack might also cause a stir in Manchester.

The Guardian - Sport

Android This one's US-only, but will cause a stir.

The Guardian - Tech

Paul Yingling did not set out to cause a stir.

The New York Times

Ms. Lopez can cause a stir in Manhattan as well.

The New York Times

When you are in trouble over one thing, cause a stir over another.

The Economist

Gangsterish enough to cause a stir, but not enough to cause a problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Manning's friend told Wired that Manning "didn't want to do this just to cause a stir….

The New Yorker

A Fed rate hike, unemployment report or surprise political move may cause a stir.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause a stir" when you want to emphasize that an event or piece of news has generated significant interest, controversy, or excitement.

Common error

While "cause a stir" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "generate interest" or "prompt discussion" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a stir" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically involves a subject (explicit or implied) performing an action that leads to public attention or controversy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause a stir" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that generates interest, controversy, or excitement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "generate interest" or "prompt discussion" in academic or highly professional settings. When using "cause a stir", remember that it implies a noticeable reaction or disruption, making it ideal for highlighting the impact of an event or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make waves

Suggests causing significant disruption or change.

generate controversy

Focuses more specifically on creating disagreement or public debate.

ignite debate

Highlights the act of initiating a discussion or argument.

create a commotion

Implies a noisy disturbance or disruption.

set tongues wagging

Implies starting gossip or rumors.

create a buzz

Implies generating excitement or positive attention.

raise eyebrows

Suggests causing surprise or mild disapproval.

provoke a reaction

Focuses on eliciting a response, which may or may not be controversial.

spark interest

Emphasizes creating curiosity or attention.

attract attention

A broader term for gaining notice, without necessarily implying controversy.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause a stir" to describe something that creates excitement or controversy. For example, "The new policy is likely to "cause a stir" among employees".

What does "cause a stir" mean?

"Cause a stir" means to create excitement, interest, or controversy. It suggests that something has happened that is generating a lot of attention and discussion.

What can I say instead of "cause a stir"?

Alternatives to "cause a stir" include "generate controversy", "create a commotion", or "make waves", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "cause a stir" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "generate interest" or "prompt discussion" for a more formal tone.