cause controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cause controversy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that sparks disagreement or discussion among people. Example sentence: The new policy changes caused controversy among the school board members.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did her comments cause controversy?

Independent

But many cause controversy.

The Guardian

Even a stray dog can cause controversy.

The New York Times

I don't want to just cause controversy.

The Guardian

The revelation is likely to cause controversy.

The Guardian - Business

The contracts continue to cause controversy.

The Guardian - Business

And his films often cause controversy.

The New York Times

"Lawns can absolutely cause controversy," said Mr. Cudworth.

The New York Times

Well, those were the days when historians could cause controversy.

The Guardian

But road pricing proposals are likely to cause controversy.

The Guardian

It took more than 10 years to build – ample time for it to cause controversy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause controversy", consider the intensity of the disagreement you want to convey. Use stronger verbs like 'ignite' or 'foment' for more impactful controversies.

Common error

Avoid using "cause controversy" repeatedly in a single text. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "spark debate" or "provoke opposition" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause controversy" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" is the verb and "controversy" is the direct object. It describes the action of initiating or creating a situation of public disagreement or debate. As supported by Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause controversy" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the action of sparking disagreement or debate. According to Ludwig AI, it is a valid expression. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile for various writing styles. While widely accepted, it's wise to consider synonyms like "spark debate" or "ignite disagreement" to avoid repetition. When crafting content, ensure the intensity of the verb aligns with the severity of the controversy you're depicting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark debate

This alternative emphasizes the initiation of a formal discussion or argument.

ignite disagreement

This alternative highlights the sudden and potentially intense nature of the disagreement.

generate contention

This alternative focuses on the creation of strife and dispute.

provoke opposition

This alternative stresses the act of inciting resistance or disapproval.

stir up trouble

This alternative implies that the controversy is mischievous or disruptive.

foment discord

This alternative suggests the deliberate encouragement of conflict or disunity.

raise hackles

This alternative focuses on the strong negative emotional response the action causes.

become contentious

This alternative expresses the event becoming a subject of disagreement, rather than causing it.

draw criticism

This alternative focuses on attracting negative feedback or disapproval.

invite argument

This alternative focuses on the action making an argument likely.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause controversy" to describe something that sparks disagreement or public debate, for example: "The new policy changes caused controversy among the school board members."

What are some alternatives to "cause controversy"?

You can use alternatives like "spark debate", "ignite disagreement", or "provoke opposition" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "cause controversy" formal or informal?

"Cause controversy" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "generate contention" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What does it mean when something "causes controversy"?

When something "causes controversy", it means that it generates significant public disagreement, debate, or opposition. The level of controversy can range from mild disagreement to intense public outcry.