causing consternation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causing consternation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that creates feelings of anxiety, confusion, or dismay among people. Example: "The sudden announcement of layoffs was causing consternation among the employees, who feared for their job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Nevertheless, the dip is causing consternation.

The New York Times - Tech

But the trend is causing consternation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A FRISKY feline is causing consternation in Kenya.

The Economist

That promise is already causing consternation from Berlin to Budapest.

The New York Times

But it is their All-Star backcourt that is now causing consternation.

The New York Times - Sports

The new scrutiny of hedge funds in London, however, is causing consternation among local money managers.

The New York Times

This has also been causing consternation at the Ministry of Defence.

The Guardian

Their rise in influence is causing consternation for mainstream Democrats and Republicans alike.

The Guardian

The Brazilian organisers have form for missing deadlines and causing consternation at Fifa.

The Guardian - Sport

Eighteen months later, he changed his mind, causing consternation in the national camp.

The Guardian - Sport

More immediately, however, the prospect of a visit to Xiahe is causing consternation, and not only among the monks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "causing consternation", ensure the subject performing the action is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The new policy is causing consternation among employees" is clearer than "Consternation is being caused".

Common error

While "causing consternation" is a valid phrase, it may sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "worrying" or "bothering" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing consternation" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. Ludwig AI provides examples where it acts as part of a continuous verb tense, describing an ongoing action that is creating feelings of anxiety or dismay.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "causing consternation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of creating feelings of anxiety, worry, or dismay. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence in News & Media. While appropriate for formal contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual settings. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of disturbance and is consistently used across reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating anxiety

Highlights the creation of feelings of stress or worry.

raising concerns

Emphasizes the act of bringing issues to the forefront.

prompting worry

Directly indicates the act of causing someone to worry.

provoking anxiety

Highlights the instigation of anxious feelings.

instigating concern

Similar to raising concerns but emphasizes the initiation of the worry.

inducing unease

Focuses on creating a feeling of discomfort or worry.

generating alarm

Focuses on creating a sense of fear or apprehension.

stirring unease

Similar to inducing unease, but with a slightly more active connotation.

sparking disquiet

Implies a sudden and noticeable disturbance of peace.

fostering apprehension

Suggests a gradual development of fear about future events.

FAQs

What does "causing consternation" mean?

The phrase "causing consternation" means creating feelings of anxiety, dismay, or worry. It implies that something is disturbing or unsettling to a group of people.

How can I use "causing consternation" in a sentence?

You can use "causing consternation" to describe a situation or action that is creating unease. For example, "The proposed budget cuts are "causing consternation" among teachers.".

What are some synonyms for "causing consternation"?

Alternatives to "causing consternation" include "raising concerns", "provoking anxiety", or "generating alarm". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "causing consternation" in formal writing?

Yes, "causing consternation" is suitable for formal writing. It's often found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. However, be mindful of the overall tone and audience.