create havoc

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create havoc" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe a chaotic situation or circumstances created as a result of an event or action. For example: "The hurricane created havoc on the small island, leaving behind a trail of destruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They don't create havoc and mayhem.

Independent

Power shortages also create havoc with supply.

The New York Times

An accident or spill can create havoc.

The New York Times

To sow confusion, hide a secret, create havoc.

The New York Times

Still, school plays are known to create havoc.

The New Yorker

Eventually the Islamists will create havoc in the Maldives.

Independent

The Soviets tried to create havoc for me.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This program will create havoc on America's small farms.

The New York Times

"Historically, whenever reforms go too far, the conservatives create havoc.

The Guardian

That means players are constantly hustling, looking to create havoc.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're a lot more explosive and energetic when he can create havoc".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "create havoc" to describe situations where there is widespread disorder, confusion, and potentially damage. For example, "The sudden policy change threatened to create havoc in the financial markets."

Common error

While "create havoc" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and nuanced language might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "generate disruption" or "cause instability" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create havoc" functions as a verb phrase, where "create" is the main verb and "havoc" is its direct object. According to Ludwig, this phrase is generally considered grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create havoc" is a widely used expression to describe the act of causing widespread disorder and confusion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its general usage is acceptable, it's important to consider the formality of the context. In highly formal or scientific settings, alternatives like "generate instability" or "cause disruption" may be more appropriate. Common related phrases include "create chaos", "wreak havoc", and "cause mayhem", each with slightly different nuances. Remember to use "create havoc" when you want to convey a sense of significant disruption and disorder as Ludwig’s examples showcase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wreak havoc

Emphasizes a more forceful and destructive impact.

create chaos

Emphasizes a state of complete disorder and confusion.

create mayhem

Stresses the element of violent or damaging disorder.

create disruption

Highlights the interruption of normal progress or activity.

create disarray

Focuses more on the lack of order rather than widespread disruption.

create turmoil

Emphasizes internal agitation and disturbance.

create destruction

Highlights the act of causing damage and ruin.

sow chaos

Implies a deliberate spreading of disorder.

cause damage

Focuses specifically on the act of inflicting harm or impairment.

stir up trouble

Suggests instigating minor problems or disturbances.

FAQs

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

You can use "create havoc" to describe a situation where something causes widespread disorder or chaos. For example, "The sudden storm threatened to "create havoc" in the city".

What are some alternatives to "create havoc"?

Alternatives to "create havoc" include "create chaos", "cause disruption", or "wreak havoc", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "create havoc" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "create havoc" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise terms like "generate instability" or "cause widespread disruption" in those situations.

What's the difference between "create havoc" and "cause chaos"?

"Create havoc" and "cause chaos" are similar, but "create havoc" often implies a more active or intentional instigation of disorder, whereas "cause chaos" can refer to a more general or unintentional state of disorder.