disturbances

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disturbances' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to actions that disrupt the peace and order, such as riots or mass disobedience. For example, "The city police had to be called in to contain the disturbances which broke out in response to the new law".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kent police said they had been looking into reports of "disturbances" at a number of polling stations but that their initial inquiries suggested no offences had taken place.

The Guardian

The couple are now accused of organising and participating in the demonstrations under an article of the country's criminal code relating to "mass disturbances".

The Guardian

Even if there were some unpredictable fluctuations in the demand for money, the resulting disturbances to nominal incomes would be much less, he believed, than would result from attempts at discretionary management by central banks.

The Guardian

The BBC has pulled a film about the experiences of rioters during last summer's disturbances just hours before it was due to be broadcast after a ruling from a judge.

The Guardian

And while a pain nerve has a sensory jurisdiction of roughly a millimetre, an itch nerve can pick up disturbances on the skin over three inches away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ritchie pulled the plug on funding in response to an upsurge of UDA-inspired violence in 2007 in Bangor and Carrickfergus, the latter disturbances linked to an inter-loyalist feud.

The Guardian

Anything that leads to reduction of growth and the ability of corals to bounce back from disturbances – and that includes dredging and port development – presents a real conundrum on the issue of keeping the reef healthy while at the same time as trying to export these commodities which themselves have an impact on climate.

The Guardian

GBR has been subject to severe disturbances, including COTS outbreaks, mass coral bleaching and declining growth rates of coral due to increasing seawater temperatures, terrestrial runoff, tropical cyclones, and coral diseases.

The Guardian

Miliband said poverty, poor education and a lack of hope and opportunity for many of those who rioted had been a major factor in the disturbances.

The Guardian

The sectarian disturbances on Monday night involving up to 1,000 loyalists have been described as "disastrous" for the city's image.

The Guardian

The solution The cause is uncertain but front-runners include disturbances in melatonin (the hormone that controls our pattern of sleeping and waking) that upset the circadian rhythm and levels of the "feelgood" hormone serotonin when there are fewer hours of daylight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on events involving "disturbances", be specific about the nature and scope of the events. Provide context to help readers understand the underlying causes and potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbances" as a vague catch-all term. Provide specific details about what occurred, such as whether it involved protests, riots, or other forms of unrest.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disturbances" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple instances of disruption or disorder. As seen in Ludwig, the term is used to describe various forms of unrest, from political protests to environmental disruptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disturbances" functions as a grammatically correct plural noun, commonly used to describe events that disrupt peace and order. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, reflecting its role in reporting and analyzing social and political unrest. While alternatives like "civil unrest" or "public disorder" exist, "disturbances" offers a general term suitable for various situations. To use the word effectively, specify the nature and scope of the events, and avoid overgeneralization. By considering these nuances, writers can accurately and effectively communicate the impact and implications of "disturbances" in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disruptions

A more general term for interruptions or disturbances to normal activities.

Disorders

Similar to "disturbances", but can also refer to medical or psychological conditions.

Riots

Specifically refers to violent public disorder.

Public disorder

Emphasizes the disruption of public order and peace.

Social disruptions

Highlights the interruptions to normal social functioning.

Civil unrest

Focuses specifically on public disorder caused by civilian populations.

Commotions

Refers to noisy and chaotic events, often involving crowds.

Tumults

Implies a state of noisy confusion or disorder.

Uprisings

Suggests a revolt or rebellion against authority.

Agitations

Highlights the stirring up of public interest or concern, often leading to unrest.

FAQs

How is "disturbances" used in a sentence?

"Disturbances" is typically used to describe events that disrupt peace and order. For instance, "The police were called to quell the disturbances after the protest turned violent."

What are some alternatives to "disturbances"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "public disorder", "civil unrest", or "social disruptions".

What kind of events are typically described as "disturbances"?

"Disturbances" can refer to a wide range of events, including riots, protests, civil unrest, and other forms of public disorder. The term is often used when the exact nature of the event is still unfolding or when a general term is needed.

Is there a difference between "disturbances" and "disorders"?

While both terms refer to disruptions of peace, "disturbances" typically refer to specific events, while "disorders" can also refer to medical or psychological conditions. For example, "The city experienced several disturbances last night" versus "He suffers from a mental disorder".