cause havoc

USAGE SUMMARY

"cause havoc" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe the result of an action that creates a state of disarray or destruction. For example, "The storm caused havoc throughout the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can cause havoc".

The Guardian - Film

Unreformed, they will cause havoc again.

The New York Times

Maybe you can cause havoc?

The Guardian - Sport

He added, "It can cause havoc".

The New Yorker

Massive crop failures and drought cause havoc.

The Guardian

It would also cause havoc in the Middle East.

The Economist

We just cause havoc for the most part".

The New York Times

Paddling pools can cause havoc on your lawn.

The Guardian - Money

"As long as the vortices are fixed in a location they can't cause havoc," Davis said.

Cornell University

Even when the attacks do not kill any innocent bystanders, they cause havoc.

The Economist

Martinez fears a winter World Cup would cause havoc with the players.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause havoc", consider the scale and intensity of the disruption you are describing. It's best suited for situations involving significant disorder or damage.

Common error

Avoid using "cause havoc" for trivial situations. Reserve it for scenarios where the disruption is genuinely significant, to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause havoc" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" is the main verb and "havoc" is the direct object. It describes the action of creating disorder, disruption, or destruction, often on a large scale. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause havoc" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe situations involving significant disruption, disorder, or damage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of widespread disarray, distinguishing it from more specific terms like "cause damage". While generally neutral in tone, considering the context and choosing a more formal alternative might be beneficial in academic or professional writing. Remember to reserve "cause havoc" for situations where the disruption is genuinely significant, and to be mindful of its implications when describing sensitive events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wreak havoc

This alternative is a more emphatic synonym, often implying a greater degree of destruction or disorder.

cause chaos

This alternative focuses specifically on the creation of a state of complete disorder and confusion.

cause mayhem

This alternative emphasizes the disruption and potential violence resulting from the action.

create disarray

This alternative focuses on disturbing organization, order, and planning.

stir up trouble

This alternative implies instigating minor problems, but also potentially growing into substantial difficulties.

make a mess

This is a simpler, less formal alternative suitable for describing smaller-scale disruptions.

raise hell

This alternative is a colloquial expression that means to create noisy, often destructive, disturbance.

cause a stir

This alternative highlights the creation of excitement or controversy, typically less severe than "havoc".

disrupt the peace

This alternative emphasizes the interruption of tranquility or order.

open a can of worms

This alternative implies uncovering or creating a complicated set of problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause havoc" to describe situations where something creates significant disorder or damage. For example, "The floodwaters "cause havoc" in the town".

What are some alternatives to "cause havoc"?

Alternatives include "wreak havoc", "cause chaos", or "stir up trouble" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cause havoc" in formal writing?

While "cause havoc" is widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "create disarray" or "disrupt the peace" in academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "cause havoc" and "cause damage"?

"Cause havoc" implies widespread disorder and confusion, while "cause damage" focuses specifically on physical harm or impairment. "The protesters "cause havoc" in the streets", suggests a general disruption, whereas "the storm "cause damage" to the buildings" indicates physical harm.