created a commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

"created a commotion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to cause a disturbance or uproar. You can use it anytime you want to describe a situation where there is a lot of noise or chaos. Example: The arrival of the rock star at the airport created a commotion among his fans, who were eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In the public arena, the suicide question also created a commotion.

The New York Times - Science

LONDON -- In the last few weeks, an unlikely image from the archives has created a commotion, raising questions about celebrity and justice, and where they could possibly intersect.

The New York Times

Although the Flyers had created a commotion to Brodeur's right, he did not appear to be screened before Markov took the shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Two weeks ago, the justice minister created a commotion when he defended the new measures by stating that "a friend of a friend" who belonged to Al Qaeda had entered the country repeatedly using forged passports.

The New York Times

Last week an Israeli tabloid created a commotion when it ran an investigative article, "The Great Tree Fraud," suggesting that workers cynically uproot the saplings planted by tourists to make way for the next day's busloads.

The New York Times

Autobytel.com abtl created a commotion as the first dot-com advertiser, with Super Bowl spots in 1997 and '98.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Someone arrives, creating a commotion.

The New Yorker

He added that he was "out there to create a commotion," and might have caught the Islanders off guard.

The New York Times - Sports

Barbara Corcoran, the founder of the Corcoran Group and a grande dame of New York real estate, says creating a commotion of potential customers is an effective strategy.

The New York Times

"I just either go to the restroom," to avoid creating a commotion in the aisle, "or sometimes I go up and stand and chat with the flight attendants".

The New York Times

The Imperial Household Agency, a musty but powerful bureaucracy overseeing every detail of imperial life, severely reprimanded the press for creating a commotion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "created a commotion" to emphasize that someone or something actively caused a disturbance or uproar. This phrase is effective when describing situations where there was a noticeable and often disruptive reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "created a commotion" when a milder term like "caused a slight stir" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can exaggerate the situation and weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "created a commotion" functions as a verb phrase, where "created" is the main verb and "a commotion" is the direct object. It describes the action of causing a disturbance or uproar. Ludwig confirms this is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "created a commotion" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe causing a disturbance or uproar. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is primarily used in news and media contexts to highlight the significant reaction provoked by an event or action. While its usage is straightforward, it's important to consider the intensity of the phrase and avoid overusing it in situations where a milder term would be more appropriate. Related phrases like "caused an uproar" or "sparked a furor" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caused an uproar

Focuses more on the negative and vocal reaction caused.

caused a stir

Implies a slight disturbance or excitement.

stirred up controversy

Highlights the element of dispute or disagreement.

sparked a furor

Emphasizes a sudden burst of excitement or anger.

generated a buzz

Implies more of excitement and positive interest.

triggered a frenzy

Suggests a state of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior.

provoked a reaction

Is a more general term for causing any kind of response.

ignited a debate

Highlights the start of a formal discussion, often with opposing views.

set off a chain of events

Indicates causing a series of consequential actions.

made a splash

Highlights the element of attracting significant attention.

FAQs

How can I use "created a commotion" in a sentence?

You can use "created a commotion" to describe an event or action that caused a disturbance or uproar. For example, "The announcement created a commotion among the employees."

What can I say instead of "created a commotion"?

You can use alternatives like "caused an uproar", "stirred up controversy", or "sparked a furor" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "caused a commotion" or "created a commotion"?

Both "caused a commotion" and "created a commotion" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What is the difference between "created a commotion" and "caused a stir"?

"Created a commotion" implies a larger, more disruptive disturbance than "caused a stir". A "commotion" suggests significant excitement, confusion, or protest, while a "stir" suggests a milder, less intense reaction.