deliberate provocation

USAGE SUMMARY

"deliberate provocation" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing an action intended to incite a reaction or response. Example: His comments were seen as a deliberate provocation aimed at stirring controversy. Alternative expressions include "intentional incitement" and "purposeful provocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gunt specialises in deliberate provocation.

The Guardian - Books

Or deliberate provocation by an impatient politician?

The Economist

Geithner's charge was thus a deliberate provocation.

The Guardian - Opinion

She invokes their supposed son as a deliberate provocation.

The Guardian

The controversy startled LeCompte, who hadn't designed a deliberate provocation.

The Guardian

Eliot's deliberate provocation has become Kirsch's bland doctrine.

The New York Times - Books

Even choosing to speak to the ultra-right, anti-Semitic Rivarol magazine was a deliberate provocation.

Independent

Thus, in Putin's mind, what happened in the Ghouta area of Damascus was a deliberate provocation.

The New York Times

Perhaps Mr Obama's uncompromising tone was not a fault of the speech, but a deliberate provocation.

The Economist

Whatever Aunt Dawn had served, it wouldn't have been a deliberate provocation.

The New Yorker

That included two U.S. citizens, in what can only be interpreted as a deliberate provocation.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "deliberate provocation" with specific examples to enhance understanding and credibility. Avoid vague accusations; provide concrete instances of the provocative behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "deliberate provocation" when a milder term like "intentional challenge" or "calculated risk" would suffice. Escalating language unnecessarily can undermine your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deliberate provocation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of intentional incitement. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deliberate provocation" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an intentional act designed to incite a reaction, frequently negative or hostile. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, appearing most frequently in news and media contexts. While related phrases like "intentional incitement" or "calculated instigation" can offer alternative shades of meaning, "deliberate provocation" is a clear and direct way to describe actions intended to provoke a response. When employing this phrase, be mindful of your audience and choose language carefully to avoid unnecessary escalation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentional incitement

Focuses more on stirring up strong feelings or actions.

calculated instigation

Emphasizes the planning and precision behind the act of provocation.

premeditated goading

Highlights the persistent and irritating nature of the provocation.

purposeful aggravation

Stresses the intent to annoy or irritate.

studied irritation

Suggests a careful and thoughtful approach to causing annoyance.

orchestrated antagonism

Implies a complex and coordinated effort to provoke hostility.

contrived offense

Highlights the artificial and manufactured nature of the provocation.

deliberate challenge

Implies an intentional act designed to test someone or something.

willful irritation

Focuses on the intent and consciousness to cause annoyance.

conscious antagonism

Emphasizes the awareness of the hostile nature of the act.

FAQs

How to use "deliberate provocation" in a sentence?

You can use "deliberate provocation" to describe an action intended to incite a reaction. For example: "The politician's speech was seen as a "deliberate provocation" aimed at stirring controversy."

What can I say instead of "deliberate provocation"?

You can use alternatives like "intentional incitement", "calculated instigation", or "purposeful aggravation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "deliberate provocation" or "unintentional provocation"?

"Deliberate provocation" implies intention, while "unintentional provocation" is contradictory. If the provocation was not intended, use a phrase like "accidental offense" or "inadvertent insult" instead.

What's the difference between "deliberate provocation" and "deliberate challenge"?

"Deliberate provocation" aims to incite a reaction, often negative, while "deliberate challenge" implies testing someone or something, not necessarily with the intent to annoy or anger.