caused a commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caused a commotion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or event that created confusion, a lot of excitement, or an uproar. For example: The announcement of the surprise birthday party caused a commotion amongst the guests.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A few unnamed rappers caused a commotion.

The New York Times - Arts

But his arrival caused a commotion, which Sir Paul noticed.

The New York Times - Arts

"I wouldn't want to be named for somebody who caused a commotion at the Plaza.

The New Yorker

The Times article, picked up by other news organizations, caused a commotion among Brown alumni.

The New Yorker

This isn't the first time the SNP have caused a commotion over seats in the chamber.

The Guardian

Always surprising, Skinner has recently caused a commotion by speaking out on the overuse of swearing in British life.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Camera crews jostled print reporters, causing a commotion, for space.

The New York Times

No doubt she'll be whipping up tuna bakes and causing a commotion within five years.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I could have shot off a gun without causing a commotion.

The New York Times

Two fans, engaged in a shoving match, were causing a commotion on the floor.

The New York Times - Arts

Look, Richard says, they never set out to cause a commotion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "caused a commotion", consider the degree of disturbance you want to convey. Other phrases like "created a stir" or "sparked an uproar" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

While "caused a commotion" is widely understood, it may sound too informal for academic or business writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "generated significant discussion" or "led to considerable debate" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caused a commotion" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the predicate. It describes an action that resulted in a state of disruption, excitement, or confusion. Ludwig AI indicates its proper and frequent use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "caused a commotion" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that describes an event or action leading to noise, excitement, or disruption. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for general use, though might be too informal for academic or business contexts where alternatives like "generated significant discussion" are preferable. It frequently appears in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral to informal register. When selecting this phrase, consider the intended impact, as synonyms range in intensity from "created a stir" to "sparked an uproar". Use the phrase with confidence in everyday communication, but evaluate context and audience for formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created a stir

A more general term for causing interest or excitement, often without negative connotations.

sparked an uproar

Suggests a louder and more public expression of disapproval or excitement.

stirred up a fuss

Implies a less intense level of disturbance compared to "caused a commotion".

kicked up a storm

Suggests a forceful and disruptive reaction.

touched off a controversy

Specifically relates to causing disagreement or public debate.

raised a ruckus

Implies a noisy disturbance or quarrel.

generated a buzz

Implies creating excitement or interest, often in a positive way.

made waves

A more metaphorical way of saying that something caused a significant impact or disruption.

provoked a reaction

Focuses on the act of eliciting a response, not necessarily a disruptive one.

set off a chain of events

Suggests initiating a series of occurrences, which may or may not be disruptive.

FAQs

What does "caused a commotion" mean?

The phrase "caused a commotion" means to have created a noisy disturbance, excitement, or confusion. It implies that something has disrupted the peace or usual order of things.

How can I use "caused a commotion" in a sentence?

You can use "caused a commotion" to describe an event that created a disturbance. For example: "The celebrity's unexpected arrival "caused a commotion" among the fans".

What can I say instead of "caused a commotion"?

You can use alternatives like "created a stir", "sparked an uproar", or "generated a buzz" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "caused a commotion" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "caused a commotion" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives such as "generated significant discussion" or "led to considerable debate".