create a disturbance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create a disturbance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is causing a disruption or interruption, often in a public or formal setting. Example: "The protesters gathered to create a disturbance outside the city hall, demanding change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

They aren't necessarily breaking the law but in football emotion runs so high it could create a disturbance or even a riot.

The Guardian - Sport

Interesting to think that words on a page can create a disturbance in a brain thousands of miles or hundreds of years away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

September 30, 2013 Oneonta, NY, USA Dear Reader, Interesting to think that words on a page can create a disturbance in a brain thousands of miles or hundreds of years away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Members of the groups would cross over one point along the line while the Pakistani army would create a disturbance at another, officials said, thus diverting the attention of the Indian army from the infiltrators.

The New York Times

Chief Ahmadreza Radan also said the authorities had detained 40 people who were seeking to create a disturbance in the city after the bombings, the semiofficial ILNA news agency reported.

The New York Times

"In the past, officials from the civil defence bureau praised our contribution to the city because we make otherwise empty spaces profitable". The head of the municipal civil defence bureau, Wang Yongxin, has said that over the next six months to a year, accommodation in shelters will be phased out because the residents pose a security risk and sometimes create a disturbance.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Browne, Jones and another leader were arrested for creating a disturbance.

The Guardian

Too often, to our embarrassment, a young person who creates a disturbance is American.

The New York Times

After Triplett created a disturbance at the door, motel personnel called the police.

The New York Times - Sports

Many activists have been prosecuted for the offence of creating a disturbance in recent months.

The Guardian

It's a minute difference, a tonal contrast, creating a disturbance of the visual field.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "incite a riot" or "disrupt the peace" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "create a disturbance" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the nature of the disruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a disturbance" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, indicating an action (creating) and its object (a disturbance). The phrase typically describes the act of causing a disruption to peace or order, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "create a disturbance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the act of causing a disruption or interruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in register, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuances you wish to convey, such as the scale of the disruption ("cause an uproar") or the intention behind it ("stir up trouble"). Be mindful of overusing the phrase in highly formal contexts, where more precise language might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disrupt the peace

Emphasizes the violation of tranquility and order.

cause an uproar

Focuses on the intensity and scale of the disturbance, suggesting a significant public reaction.

trigger a disruption

Highlights the sudden and immediate onset of a disturbance.

make a commotion

Highlights the noisiness and disruptiveness of the disturbance.

stir up trouble

Implies intentionality in causing the disturbance, often with negative connotations.

spark a conflict

Focuses on the initiation of a disagreement or struggle as a result of the disturbance.

provoke disorder

Highlights the act of instigating a lack of order and control.

generate chaos

Emphasizes the complete lack of order and predictability resulting from the disturbance.

foment unrest

Suggests the deliberate encouragement of dissatisfaction and disturbance.

incite a riot

Suggests a more severe form of disturbance, involving violence and public disorder.

FAQs

What does "create a disturbance" mean?

The phrase "create a disturbance" means to cause a disruption or interruption, often in a public or formal setting. It implies an action that disrupts peace, order, or normal activity.

What are some alternatives to "create a disturbance"?

Alternatives include "cause an uproar", "stir up trouble", "make a commotion", or "disrupt the peace", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "create a disturbance"?

Yes, "create a disturbance" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows standard verb-noun structure.

What is the difference between "create a disturbance" and "cause a disturbance"?

While both phrases are similar, "create a disturbance" emphasizes the active role in bringing about the disruption, whereas "cause a disturbance" can be more general and may imply unintentional causation.