causing offense

USAGE SUMMARY

"causing offense" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing actions or statements that upset or hurt someone's feelings. Example: His comments were inappropriate, causing offense to many in the audience. Alternative expressions include "offending someone" and "giving offense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Blanc has apologized for causing offense and using ambiguous language.

The New York Times - Sports

A company spokesman apologized for causing offense, saying the ad campaign was intended to combat hatred.

The New York Times

"D'you want something?" She spoke sharply and he walked away at once, her tone causing offense.

The New Yorker

But as with all marketing exercises, experts say, rule No.1 is to avoid causing offense.

The New York Times

"We have no intention of causing offense or insult with this show," he said.

The New York Times

Still, gays here say they step carefully to avoid causing offense.

The New York Times

He knows the terrain and how to navigate it without causing offense.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If you're overbearing, it's is a tricky position to be in; you feel confident but may be unknowingly causing offense.

Harvard Business Review

All too often, we think the risk of causing offense is so great that we just decide to stay silent.

The Washington Post

When negotiating with someone from a different culture, we often try to learn cultural practices that will help us fit in or avoid causing offense.

Harvard University

Samuel Beckett, in his first book of stories, used a letter from a dead cousin, thus causing offense to her family.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Utilize "causing offense" when describing the potential or actual impact of actions or statements. For instance, 'The politician's remarks risked "causing offense" to minority groups.'

Common error

Avoid using "causing offense" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying 'Offense was caused by the statement', opt for a more direct approach: 'The statement caused offense'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing offense" typically functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun within a sentence. It describes the act of generating or creating a feeling of being insulted or upset. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable phrase. The examples from Ludwig highlight its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "causing offense" is a grammatically sound and widely used gerund phrase that describes the act of creating or generating a feeling of being insulted or upset. As shown by Ludwig, it frequently appears in various contexts, including news, academia, and business, indicating its versatility and relevance across different domains. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for general use. Remember to consider audience and context to minimize unintentional offense, and when necessary, explore alternative phrases like "giving offense" or "provoking outrage" to convey subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

giving offense

Focuses on the act of providing the offense rather than the process of creating it.

provoking outrage

Emphasizes the intensity of the negative reaction caused.

stirring up resentment

Highlights the feeling of bitterness that is generated.

inciting anger

Stresses the act of stimulating strong displeasure or hostility.

generating animosity

Focuses on creating a feeling of strong dislike or hostility.

affronting

Implies a direct insult or show of disrespect.

ruffling feathers

An idiomatic expression indicating a minor disturbance or annoyance.

transgressing

Highlights the violation of a moral or social boundary.

raising hackles

An idiomatic expression suggesting irritation or defensiveness.

outraging sensibilities

Emphasizes the violation of refined or sensitive moral standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "causing offense" to describe an action or statement that has the potential to upset or insult someone. For example, "The comedian's jokes risked "causing offense" to certain audience members".

What are some alternatives to "causing offense"?

Some alternatives to "causing offense" include "giving offense", "provoking outrage", or "inciting anger", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "causing offense" or "offending someone"?

Both "causing offense" and "offending someone" are correct, but they have slightly different focuses. "Causing offense" emphasizes the potential for offense, while "offending someone" describes the actual act of offending. It depends on whether you want to highlight the risk or the result.

What's the difference between "causing offense" and "being offensive"?

"Causing offense" describes an action that leads to offense, whereas "being offensive" describes something that inherently possesses qualities that are likely to offend. The first focuses on the effect, and the second focuses on the inherent characteristic.