create a stir

USAGE SUMMARY

"create a stir" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to cause a commotion or a buzz, usually with a controversial or attention-grabbing action or statement. Example: The celebrity's new outfit created a stir on social media, with many praising her fashion choice while others criticized it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He will create a stir, but evoke little sympathy.

Independent

But last season, he started to create a stir.

The New York Times - Sports

He wanted to blend in, not create a stir.

The New York Times - Sports

But his criticism did little more than create a stir.

The New York Times - Magazine

A widespread offering of this type was bound to create a stir and regulatory attention.

The New York Times

Archives|2 FREE ON TECHNICALITY.; Faulty Indictments Create a Stir in Trenton Liquor Cases. 2 FREE ON TECHNICALITY.; Faulty Indictments Create a Stir in Trenton Liquor Cases.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The unsual mix created a stir.

The New York Times - Arts

In December 1983, Brookshier created a stir during a telecast.

The New York Times - Sports

Rick Santorum creates a stir by speaking out against prenatal testing.

The New York Times

His crackdown on tax cheats has also created a stir.

The New York Times

A draft of the report has certainly created a stir.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "create a stir" when you want to convey that something or someone is causing excitement, controversy, or significant attention. This phrase is useful in news reporting, narrative writing, and discussions of cultural or social impact.

Common error

While "create a stir" is widely understood, it might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral or technical terms like "generate interest" or "provoke debate" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a stir" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and commonly used expression, indicating its acceptance in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science & Research

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create a stir" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe the act of causing excitement, controversy, or significant attention. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, most notably in news and media. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing where a neutral tone is preferred. Related phrases like ""cause a commotion"" or ""generate buzz"" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause a commotion

This alternative suggests a noisy disturbance or disruption.

generate buzz

This implies creating positive excitement or interest around something.

spark controversy

This suggests igniting disagreement or public debate.

arouse interest

This indicates provoking curiosity or attention.

provoke a reaction

This implies causing a response or action from others.

make waves

This suggests causing significant disruption or change.

cause a sensation

This indicates creating widespread excitement or interest.

attract attention

This implies drawing notice or focus to something.

raise eyebrows

This suggests causing surprise or disapproval.

set tongues wagging

This indicates causing people to gossip or talk about something.

FAQs

How can I use "create a stir" in a sentence?

You can use "create a stir" to describe an action or event that causes excitement, controversy, or attention. For example, "The artist's controversial exhibit "created a stir" in the art world".

What are some alternatives to "create a stir"?

Alternatives include "cause a commotion", "generate buzz", or "spark controversy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "create a stir" or "cause a stir"?

"Create a stir" and "cause a stir" are largely interchangeable. Both are grammatically correct and idiomatic. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.

What's the difference between "create a stir" and "attract attention"?

"Create a stir" implies a more active and often disruptive or controversial way of gaining notice, while "attract attention" is a more general term for simply drawing notice, which can be passive or intentional without necessarily causing disruption.