create mayhem

USAGE SUMMARY

"create mayhem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to causing confusion and disruption, often in an intentional manner. For example, "The introduction of new regulations created mayhem among businesses trying to make the transition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

They just want to create mayhem, create chaos.

The New York Times

The group's efforts to create mayhem, the police said, were almost comically unsuccessful.

The New York Times

The WCC documentary captures Wane telling Wigan's players to "create mayhem" and "be reckless".

The Guardian - Sport

Doors refuse to open, scenery collapses and performers upstage each other as private grudges create mayhem.

The Guardian

On Halloween night, witches are supposed to gather for revels with the devil and to create mayhem for the unsuspecting.

Princeton University

It goes to show that a guy like this, someone of vision and capability, can create mayhem".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

He creates mayhem".

The Guardian - Sport

Nevis, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound senior, simply creates mayhem.

The New York Times - Sports

Government plans to cut spending by 25% in many departments risked "creating mayhem", he said.

The Guardian

He got his start by creating mayhem; his message has never changed.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, walls of ice are closing in on the habitable world, creating mayhem.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "create mayhem" when you want to convey the idea of intentionally or unintentionally causing significant disruption and disorder. It's particularly effective in describing situations where the chaos is a notable outcome of someone's actions.

Common error

While "create mayhem" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral or precise term like "cause disruption" or "generate disorder" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create mayhem" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes the action of causing considerable disorder and confusion. The examples show its use in various contexts, denoting intentional or unintentional disruption.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "create mayhem" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of causing significant disruption and disorder. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best to avoid using "create mayhem" in highly formal settings, opting for more neutral terms like "cause disruption". To express similar ideas, consider alternatives such as "wreak havoc" or "stir up trouble" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, this phrase is ideal for situations where chaos and disorder are prominent outcomes of actions, whether intentional or not.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate chaos

Stresses the production or origination of a chaotic situation.

wreak havoc

Highlights the destructive and chaotic consequences.

spark pandemonium

Suggests igniting a widespread and uncontrolled commotion.

unleash bedlam

Highlights the act of releasing or setting free a state of extreme confusion and disorder.

stir up trouble

Emphasizes the act of instigating problems or disturbances.

incite disorder

Implies actively encouraging a state of disarray.

cause a disturbance

Focuses on disrupting peace or order.

cause an uproar

Focuses on provoking a loud and public expression of disapproval.

set off a riot

Indicates triggering a violent public disturbance.

brew a storm

Implies preparing or developing a turbulent situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "create mayhem" to describe actions that lead to significant disruption or chaos, such as "The new policies threatened to "create mayhem" in the department" or "The protestors intended to "create mayhem" during the demonstration".

What are some alternatives to "create mayhem"?

Some alternatives include "wreak havoc", "generate chaos", or "stir up trouble". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to say something will "create mayhem"?

Saying something will "create mayhem" means it is likely to cause significant confusion, disorder, and possibly even panic or trouble. It implies a loss of control and a generally negative outcome.

Which is more appropriate, "create mayhem" or "cause disruption"?

"Create mayhem" is more informal and dramatic, suggesting significant chaos. "Cause disruption" is more neutral and suitable for formal contexts where you want to describe interference without necessarily implying extreme disorder.