cause disruption

USAGE SUMMARY

'cause disruption' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe an action that is causing disorder or disorder. For example, "The protest caused disruption to the city's traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gatwick did not anticipate that the landing would cause disruption.

The Guardian

The condition can cause disruption to sleep and daily life.

The Guardian

Dirty bombs are not mass killers, they are weapons designed to inspire panic and cause disruption.

The New York Times

Security experts have suggested the aim of the attack may have been to simply cause disruption.

The Guardian - Tech

He added: "A group of remain campaigners turned up at the event determined to cause disruption.

The Guardian

This can only cause disruption to customers and cost our people money.

The Guardian - Business

A five-day strike, including on Christmas Eve, threatens to cause disruption for those wanting to send gifts and cards.

The Guardian

As snow flurries continued to cause disruption across the country today, spring may feel further away than ever.

The Guardian

The CAA chief executive, Andrew Haines, yesterday warned that the ash cloud could cause disruption for "the foreseeable future".

The Guardian

The additional security measures brought in since the arrests continue to cause disruption and delays at the UK's busiest airports.

The Guardian

He said: "While the strike on 30 November will obviously cause disruption, the figures suggested by ministers are fantasy economics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause disruption", consider the scale and nature of the disruption you are describing. Choose more specific synonyms if you want to convey a particular type or degree of disturbance.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overuse of "cause disruption". Opt for more precise and nuanced verbs such as 'impede', 'hinder', 'obstruct', or 'destabilize' to convey the specific nature of the disturbance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause disruption" functions as a verb phrase where "cause" is the verb and "disruption" is the direct object. It indicates the action of initiating or producing a disturbance or interruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and in common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Huffington Post

1%

TechCrunch

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause disruption" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of initiating or producing a disturbance. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this expression is widely accepted and used across various contexts. Examples show its application in discussing events that lead to interruptions in various areas, from transportation to business operations.

The phrase is versatile, fitting into news reports, scientific papers, and general discussions. While "cause disruption" is a useful and commonly used phrase, it's crucial to consider the context and potentially opt for more specific verbs to add nuance. The frequency analysis indicates that it's most commonly found in "News & Media", followed by "Science" and "Formal & Business". Remember to consider the level of formality needed and pick the most appropriate verb based on the specific disturbance you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate disorder

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the creation of a lack of order or organization.

provoke instability

This suggests causing a lack of stability or predictability, often in a system or organization.

create chaos

This alternative implies a more severe form of disorder and confusion compared to simply causing disruption.

spark off turbulence

Similar to "trigger upheaval" but can refer to a more specific or localized disturbance.

instigate turmoil

This phrase implies initiating a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

trigger upheaval

This suggests a significant and often sudden change or disturbance, with broader implications than just disruption.

impede functionality

This implies hindering the ability of something to work or operate as intended.

obstruct operations

Similar to impede functionality but more focused on a specific set of activities or tasks.

interrupt proceedings

This is more specific to formal events or processes being halted.

hinder progress

Focuses on impeding or delaying advancement, rather than general disturbance.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause disruption" to describe events or actions that lead to interruptions or disturbances, for example, "The strike will "cause disruption" to public transport".

What are some alternatives to "cause disruption"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "create chaos", "generate disorder", or "trigger upheaval" instead of "cause disruption".

Is it better to say "cause disruption" or "create disruption"?

Both "cause disruption" and "create disruption" are grammatically correct and usable. "Cause disruption" is slightly more common, but the best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What kind of events typically "cause disruption"?

Many events can "cause disruption", including strikes, natural disasters, cyber attacks, and political protests. The specific impact of the disruption will vary depending on the event.