cause of unrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause of unrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a reason or factor that leads to social or political instability or agitation. Example: "The government’s decision to increase taxes was seen as a major cause of unrest among the citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Whatever the cause of unrest, "sleep deprivation has consequences," Dr. Kavey said.

The New York Times - Health

But the influx of non-Tibetans has become a leading cause of unrest.

The New Yorker

Chinese people have become outspoken about environmentally risky projects in their backyards, with pollution a leading cause of unrest.

The Guardian

Yet there is a sizeable distance between supposing or even finding Iranian agents in, say, Bahrain, and concluding that they are the primary cause of unrest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Arab nations have demanded progress between the Palestinians and Israel, a conflict that is a main cause of unrest in the Middle East.

The New York Times

Under pressure to expand local economies, officials have stepped up seizures and sales of farmers' land, a frequent cause of unrest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Even if the resignations settle the immediate issue which provoked the protest, the causes of unrest go much deeper.

The Guardian

The root causes of unrest, on which the radicals feed, are lack of infrastructure for basic human needs (including freedom) and a lack of opportunities for individuals.

The New York Times

The premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, has asked the high-level delegation to further efforts to improve community safety and address causes of unrest in the Indigenous Cape York community.

The Guardian

The UK cannot arrest its way out of violence and should tackle the underlying causes of unrest such as racial tensions, the prime minister's new crime adviser, US "supercop" Bill Bratton, has warned.

The Guardian

The causes of unrest across Egypt and Tunisia, and the growing trouble in the Arab world, are complex, though observers attribute the situation to two major dynamics – youth unemployment and lack of political voice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "cause of unrest", be specific and provide context. Instead of simply stating a general cause, explain the specific factors that contribute to the unrest, such as economic inequality, political oppression, or social injustice. Use concrete examples to support your claims.

Common error

Avoid attributing unrest to a single, simplistic cause. Unrest is often the result of multiple, interconnected factors. Acknowledge the complexity of the situation and avoid making sweeping generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause of unrest" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the reason or origin behind a state of disturbance or agitation, for example as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

17%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science & Research

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause of unrest" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to pinpoint the origins of disturbance or agitation, predominantly in news reporting and academic analyses. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide-ranging applicability, noting its significance in discussing socio-political issues. While synonymous alternatives like "reason for turmoil" or "source of instability" exist, "cause of unrest" specifically emphasizes the instigating factor behind a state of disruption. Therefore, when using this expression, ensure you provide specific and contextual details to avoid oversimplification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for turmoil

Replaces "unrest" with "turmoil", suggesting a more chaotic or disturbed state.

source of instability

Focuses on the lack of stability as a result of the cause.

root of agitation

Highlights the underlying cause of the agitation or stirring up of emotions.

trigger for conflict

Emphasizes the event or factor that initiates a conflict.

factor contributing to disturbance

More formal and descriptive, emphasizing the contribution to a disruption.

impetus for upheaval

Suggests a sudden and significant change or disruption.

genesis of discord

Focuses on the origin or beginning of disagreement and lack of harmony.

catalyst for revolt

Highlights the factor that speeds up a revolt or rebellion.

origin of social disruption

More specific by including the element of social disruption.

underlying reason for dissent

Emphasizes the fundamental reason for disagreement or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "cause of unrest" in a sentence?

Use "cause of unrest" to describe factors leading to social or political disruption. For instance, "The government’s policies were a major "cause of unrest" among the population."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cause of unrest"?

Alternatives include "source of instability", "reason for turmoil", or "root of agitation", depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "cause of unrest" or "causes of unrest"?

Use "cause of unrest" when referring to a singular, primary factor. Use "causes of unrest" when discussing multiple contributing factors.

What's the difference between "cause of unrest" and "source of tension"?

"Cause of unrest" implies a more significant disruption or agitation, while "source of tension" suggests underlying strain or potential conflict. Unrest is a stronger term than tension.