commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'commotion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a state of confused and noisy movement or activity. For example: "The crowd of people caused a commotion outside the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One by one they came – vessels the size of tenement blocks – disgorging holidaymakers on to an esplanade dotted with little white buildings in scenes of exuberant commotion.

The Guardian

No doubt she'll be whipping up tuna bakes and causing a commotion within five years.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to, weather conditions, fire, flood, hurricane, strike, industrial dispute, war, hostilities, political unrest, riots, civil commotion, inevitable accidents, supervening legislation or any other circumstances amounting to force majeure.

The Guardian

The ministry later intervened to request the DNA test because of the commotion the video was causing.

The Guardian

I become aware of a commotion at reception.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The commotion was surreal for a man who trains "in a grimy Rocky gym where you come out dirty and sweaty".

The Guardian - Sport

It's raining, lightly, and his pig is causing a commotion behind me, pushing its snout over the wall of its small pen and blowing bubbles of muddy snot.

The Guardian

Anyone wanting to escape the commotion of everyday life would be advised to visit the island of St Agnes.

The Guardian - Travel

When the commotion died down, Olazábal struck his putt wide of the hole and the Americans continued their celebrations.

The Guardian - Sport

Causing a commotion down Emmerdale way is Laurel, who's gone from prim vicar's ex-wife to vodka-quaffing hellraiser.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Soon, though, shock turned to commotion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commotion" to describe a scene of noisy excitement or confusion. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of disorder and bustling activity.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "commotion" for "emotion". "Commotion" refers to a state of disturbance, while "emotion" refers to a feeling. Ensure you're using the word that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commotion" is that of a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a state of noisy disturbance or excited activity. Ludwig provides many examples from reliable sources where "commotion" functions as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "commotion" is a commonly used noun that refers to a state of noisy disturbance or excited activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives like "uproar" or "turmoil" exist, "commotion" effectively conveys a scene of bustling disorder. Remember to avoid confusing it with "emotion", which has a different meaning entirely. Use "commotion" to vividly describe scenes of noisy excitement or confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbance

A general term for an interruption of peace, quiet, or order, similar to commotion but can be less intense.

tumult

Indicates a loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people, often more forceful than a commotion.

uproar

Implies a public expression of disapproval or outrage, often louder and more intense than a simple commotion.

ruckus

Suggests a noisy disturbance or commotion, often implying boisterous or disorderly behavior.

turmoil

Suggests a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty, often on a larger scale than a localized commotion.

hubbub

Refers to a busy, noisy situation, similar to commotion but often suggesting a more cheerful or lively atmosphere.

pandemonium

Indicates a wild and noisy disorder or confusion; an uproar, more extreme than a simple commotion.

agitation

Highlights the state of being stirred up or excited, often implying anxiety or unrest, which may lead to or result from a commotion.

disruption

Emphasizes the interruption of a normal process or activity, which may or may not involve a commotion.

uproariousness

Describes a state of being characterized by loud noise and laughter, often indicating a joyful or festive commotion.

FAQs

How can I use "commotion" in a sentence?

You can use "commotion" to describe a noisy disturbance or a state of confused and excited activity. For example, "The sudden announcement caused a great "uproar"." or "The parade created a lively "hubbub" in the streets".

What can I say instead of "commotion"?

Alternatives for "commotion" include "uproar", "turmoil", "disturbance", "agitation", or "hubbub", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "commotion" and "turmoil"?

"Commotion" generally refers to a noisy disturbance or excited activity, whereas "turmoil" suggests a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty, often on a larger scale or with more serious implications.

Is "commotion" a formal or informal word?

"Commotion" is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation than on the word itself.