creating a stir

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "creating a stir" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that causes excitement, interest, or controversy among people. Example: "The announcement of the new policy was creating a stir among the employees, leading to heated discussions in the break room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The city parks commissioner, Henry J. Stern, said the group was creating a stir over nothing.

The New York Times

Then again, everywhere Isner goes here, he is creating a stir.

The New York Times - Sports

He married a gift for TV entertainment with his former adman's flair for creating a stir.

The Guardian

It could be, as Terry said, that Cuban wants to avoid creating a stir with a championship in reach.

The New York Times - Sports

KATE ROYAL This young British soprano, creating a stir in Europe, is about to make her New York debut at the Frick Collection on March 30.

The New York Times - Arts

Her breakthrough came in the summer of 2011 – two superior indie movies creating a stir at Cannes: Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life and Jeff Nichols's Take Shelter.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 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

He will create a stir, but evoke little sympathy.

Independent

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

The New York Times

But last season, he started to create a stir.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "creating a stir" to describe situations where something causes noticeable excitement, controversy, or interest. It's suitable when you want to highlight the impact without necessarily implying a negative outcome.

Common error

While "creating a stir" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or elevated language, like "generating debate" or "stimulating interest", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creating a stir" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes an action of causing excitement or controversy. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, demonstrating how the phrase is used to depict something generating attention or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

10%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "creating a stir" is a versatile expression used to describe something that is generating noticeable excitement, interest, or controversy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While generally neutral, it's advisable to avoid overuse in highly formal or academic settings, opting instead for more precise alternatives. Consider variations like "causing a commotion" or "generating buzz" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its versatility and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stirring things up

This alternative is a more informal and direct synonym, implying intentional disruption or agitation, while "creating a stir" can be unintentional.

causing a commotion

This alternative suggests a more disruptive and potentially negative impact compared to "creating a stir".

causing a sensation

This alternative indicates widespread excitement and attention, suggesting a higher degree of impact than "creating a stir".

generating buzz

This alternative emphasizes excitement and anticipation, often in a marketing or promotional context, differing from the potentially controversial nature of "creating a stir".

whipping up excitement

This alternative conveys an active and energetic build-up of enthusiasm, differing from the more passive implication of simply "creating a stir".

making waves

This alternative implies a significant impact or influence, often suggesting change or disruption, while "creating a stir" can be more localized.

rousing public interest

This alternative specifically refers to generating attention among the general population, which can be broader than the scope of "creating a stir".

raising eyebrows

This alternative suggests surprise or disapproval, focusing on reactions rather than the action itself that "creating a stir" describes.

kicking up a fuss

This alternative indicates a strong objection or complaint, generally more negative than "creating a stir".

sparking interest

This alternative highlights the generation of curiosity or attention, potentially more subtle than the disruption implied by "creating a stir".

FAQs

What does "creating a stir" mean?

The phrase "creating a stir" means causing excitement, interest, or controversy. It often implies that something is generating attention or discussion.

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

You might say, "The new policy is "creating a stir" among employees," meaning the policy is causing a lot of discussion and possibly disagreement.

What can I say instead of "creating a stir"?

You can use alternatives like "generating buzz", "causing a commotion", or "making waves", depending on the specific context.

Is "creating a stir" formal or informal?

The phrase "creating a stir" is generally considered neutral and can be used in many contexts, though it may be too informal for highly academic or formal writing. Alternatives like "generating interest" may be more appropriate in those cases.