causing disarray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causing disarray" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that leads to confusion or disorder. Example: "The sudden change in management policies is causing disarray among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Intervention may be extended to include the use of unmanned aircraft to attack "suspects" in Syria, or to try to impose a new political outcome on both sides of the conflict, which would risk causing disarray.

The Guardian - Opinion

The complex gateways support the view that the site was militaristic; the long, curving east entrance maximised the time it would have taken for attackers to enter the fort and would have allowed defenders on the ramparts more time to hurl missiles, while the south-west entrance narrowed forcing attackers together and causing disarray.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He's caused disarray".

The New York Times - Sports

That reluctance caused disarray in Beirut last night, when Hizbullah cabinet ministers and their supporters could not agree on the militia's demobilisation.

The Guardian

Since Mr Santos served as Mr Uribe's defence minister, he has focused on attacking the group's leaders to cause disarray in the ranks.

The Economist

Once low prices move more production back to the Middle East, even a toppled emirate or two might be enough to cause disarray.

The Economist

A shortage of one of the three drugs used in most lethal injections has caused disarray as states pursue a desperate and sometimes furtive search that might run afoul of federal drug laws.

The New York Times

Disruption of the basement membrane in DCM would cause disarray in the alignment of cardiac myocytes and alteration in the second-class lever system of the heart.

Medical Hypotheses

Many of the party's lawmakers have ties to postal workers and rely on them during elections.Mr Nonaka would be the man to put discipline back into the party rank-and-file, after Mr Mori's weak leadership caused such disarray.

The Economist

And the decision was a concise, stinging rebuke of the plaintiffs, who contended that Congress intended to write a law that would leave so many people without coverage, and cause such disarray.

Huffington Post

Treatment with cisplatin resulted in destruction of stereocilia bundles and caused the disarray of three rows of OHCs and a single row of IHCs.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "causing disarray" when you want to emphasize the action that leads to a state of confusion or disorder, rather than the state itself. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality.

Common error

While "causing disarray" is acceptable in many situations, consider more formal alternatives like "generating instability" or "precipitating disorder" for academic or professional writing to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing disarray" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, describing an action that results in a state of disorder or confusion. As supported by Ludwig, it denotes the active generation of disarray.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "causing disarray" is a grammatically sound verbal phrase used to describe the act of bringing about a state of confusion or disorder. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not exceedingly frequent, it finds use across various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the level of formality required by the specific situation, opting for more refined alternatives in academic or professional settings where greater precision is desired. Common errors involve overuse in highly formal contexts, where phrases like "generating instability" might be more appropriate. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of the phrase allows for more effective communication, ensuring your writing is both accurate and contextually fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating chaos

This alternative emphasizes a more extreme form of disorder and confusion.

leading to confusion

This highlights the state of being perplexed and uncertain as a result.

sparking disorder

This emphasizes the initiation of a state of disarray or lack of order.

generating upheaval

This suggests a more significant and disruptive effect, often on a larger scale.

fostering turmoil

This emphasizes a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

inducing pandemonium

This implies a scene of wild and noisy disorder or confusion, uproar.

precipitating disruption

This suggests a sudden and significant interruption or disturbance of a situation.

stirring up trouble

This is a more informal way to describe initiating problems or disorder.

unleashing havoc

This conveys a sense of widespread destruction and disorder.

creating a mess

This is a simple and direct way of describing the result of causing disarray.

FAQs

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

You can use "causing disarray" to describe an action or event that leads to confusion or disorder. For example, "The sudden announcement is causing disarray among the staff."

What's a more formal alternative to "causing disarray"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "generating instability", "precipitating disorder", or "fostering turmoil".

Is "causing disarray" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "causing disarray" might be too informal for certain academic contexts. Evaluate the specific tone and audience of your writing and consider more formal alternatives.

What's the difference between "causing disarray" and "creating chaos"?

"Causing disarray" implies a state of confusion and disorder, while "creating chaos" suggests a more extreme and uncontrolled state. The choice depends on the degree of disorder you want to convey.