caused a stir

USAGE SUMMARY

"caused a stir" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You typically use this phrase to describe when something has caused a lot of attention or interest, usually in a negative way. For example, "The recent allegations of bribery caused a stir in the small town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The words caused a stir.

The New York Times - Magazine

The speech caused a stir.

The New Yorker

(It also caused a stir).

The New Yorker

That caused a stir.

The New York Times - Sports

Justin Bieber caused a stir upon arrival.

The New York Times

(The original decision itself caused a stir).

The New Yorker

The script caused a stir in Hollywood.

The New Yorker

The e-mail caused a stir.

The New Yorker

The award has caused a stir.

The Guardian - Opinion

The book has caused a stir in France.

The Economist

The movie caused a stir when it was released.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To provide more impact consider to add additional context by including WHY something "caused a stir". For example: "His unexpected resignation caused a stir because he was known for his dedication".

Common error

While "caused a stir" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Too much repetition can dilute its impact. Instead, try to use synonyms like "created a buzz" or "sparked controversy" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caused a stir" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the predicate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It signifies that a particular event, action, or statement has resulted in significant attention, excitement, or controversy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "caused a stir" is a common and correct way to describe something that has generated significant attention or controversy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a verb phrase highlighting the impact of an event, action, or statement. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it's essential to consider the register and choose more precise language for formal academic or scientific writing. Remember to vary your language by using synonyms like "created a buzz" or "sparked controversy" to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caused a commotion

This emphasizes the disturbance or disruption caused by the event.

created a buzz

This alternative suggests a lighter, more positive form of attention compared to "stir".

created a sensation

This implies a more widespread and intense reaction than "caused a stir".

generated excitement

This phrase emphasizes the positive emotional response caused by something.

set tongues wagging

This idiomatic expression implies that something has become the subject of gossip.

sparked controversy

This alternative highlights the divisive nature of the event or statement.

became a talking point

Highlights the discussion and debate that something has sparked.

attracted attention

This is a more neutral alternative, simply indicating that something became noticeable.

caused a reaction

A general phrase indicating any kind of response, lacking the intensity of "stir".

raised eyebrows

This suggests mild surprise or disapproval, a less intense reaction.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as having "caused a stir"?

It means that the event, statement, or action has generated considerable interest, excitement, or controversy. It implies that people are paying attention and discussing it, often with strong opinions or reactions.

What can I say instead of "caused a stir" to describe something that has generated attention?

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

Is "caused a stir" a formal or informal expression?

"Caused a stir" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both news reporting and informal conversation. It avoids overly technical or academic language while still conveying a sense of significance.

How do I use "caused a stir" in a sentence?

You can use "caused a stir" to describe a wide range of situations, for example: "The politician's controversial remarks "caused a stir" among voters" or "The unexpected discovery "caused a stir" in the scientific community."