caused controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caused controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has led to debate or generated disagreement among people. For example, a recent policy announcement from the government caused controversy among citizens who felt the policy was too strict.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His idiosyncrasies caused controversy.

The New York Times

Black's singing sometimes caused controversy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, others have caused controversy.

The Guardian

From the beginning, Synge's plays caused controversy.

The Guardian

However, his call-up has caused controversy.

The Guardian - Sport

Play caused controversy when it was released.

The Guardian - Film

Why has his behaviour caused controversy?

The Guardian

JPR: The book has caused controversy.

The Guardian - Sport

Klinsmann's decision, which was announced on Thursday, caused controversy.

The Guardian - Sport

It's this last point that has caused controversy.

The New York Times - Books

He also caused controversy with comments about race and healthcare.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caused controversy" when you want to highlight that an action or event has generated significant disagreement, debate, or public opposition.

Common error

Avoid vague formulations where the cause of the controversy is unclear. Instead of saying "The issue caused controversy", specify who or what initiated the controversy for clearer communication. For example, use "The CEO's statement caused controversy among shareholders."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caused controversy" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something has led to widespread disagreement or public debate. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "caused controversy" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate that something has incited significant disagreement or public debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing the phrase, it's best practice to provide specific context to clarify the nature and scope of the controversy. Alternatives such as "sparked debate" or "provoked opposition" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. To avoid vagueness, writers should ensure the subject initiating the controversy is clearly identified. In summary, "caused controversy" effectively communicates the presence of substantial disagreement and is a valuable tool in objective reporting and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparked debate

Focuses on the initiation of discussion, often implying a more intellectual disagreement than "caused controversy".

provoked opposition

Stresses the act of inciting resistance or antagonism, pinpointing a direct response of dissent rather than simply sparking debate as in "caused controversy".

ignited disagreement

Highlights the beginning of a disagreement, suggesting a more immediate and potentially heated reaction compared to "caused controversy".

created dissension

Highlights the act of creating division and discord within a group or community, emphasizing the fracturing effect of the action.

unleashed a backlash

Highlights a strong, adverse reaction from a significant portion of the population, focusing on the negative consequences of the action.

generated conflict

Emphasizes the creation of active opposition or struggle, which is a stronger consequence than merely "caused controversy".

led to dispute

Describes a situation resulting in a formal or prolonged argument, suggesting a more structured disagreement compared to "caused controversy".

touched off a furor

Suggests a sudden and intense outburst of public anger or excitement, indicating a higher level of emotional response compared to "caused controversy".

stirred up a hornet's nest

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the disturbance of a sensitive or contentious situation, more evocative than "caused controversy".

met with resistance

Emphasizes the encountering of opposition, focusing on the reaction to an action rather than the controversy it creates. Less intense than "caused controversy".

FAQs

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

You can use "caused controversy" to describe actions, decisions, or events that have led to significant disagreement or debate. For example, "The new policy "caused controversy" among employees".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "caused controversy"?

Alternatives include "sparked debate", "ignited disagreement", or "provoked opposition". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "generated controversy" or "caused controversy"?

Both "generated controversy" and "caused controversy" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context. "Generated" might imply a more active or deliberate creation of controversy.

What's the difference between "controversial" and "caused controversy"?

"Controversial" is an adjective describing something that is likely to cause disagreement. "Caused controversy" is a verb phrase describing the action of something creating disagreement. For instance, “The policy was controversial” versus “The policy "caused controversy"”.