foment unrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foment unrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing actions or behaviors that incite or encourage disorder or agitation, often in a political or social context. Example: "The activist group was accused of trying to foment unrest among the citizens during the protest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Most Latin American and Caribbean states alienated Cuba for its attempts to foment unrest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Iran has denied any government-backed effort to foment unrest in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

There are no sectarian, ethnic or ideological cleavages to be exploited to foment unrest and violence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite his exile, he manages to foment unrest and revolution through smuggled cassettes.

The Guardian

The government, observing their growing popularity, feared that troublemakers in Xinjiang could use them to foment unrest.

The Economist

They alleged foreigners were trying to foment unrest in order to extend the length of their stay in the country.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Thousands were arrested for fomenting unrest.

Independent

But he, too, has accused it of fomenting unrest.

The New York Times

Beijing has accused the Dalai Lama of fomenting unrest in Tibet.

The New York Times

Several have oppressed Shiite populations and suspect Iran is fomenting unrest.

The New York Times

Khamenei blamed the US, Great Britain and what he called Iran's other enemies for fomenting unrest.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foment unrest", consider the audience and context. It is often employed in formal writing or news reporting to describe deliberate actions that lead to social or political disruption. Be aware of the negative connotations associated with the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "foment unrest" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone and serious implications can seem out of place or overly dramatic in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foment unrest" functions as a verb phrase where "foment" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object, in this case, the noun "unrest". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes the action of instigating or promoting disturbance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foment unrest" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes the act of instigating or promoting disturbance. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias, indicating a formal tone appropriate for discussing issues related to political and social instability. Related phrases include "stir up trouble" and "incite disorder". When using "foment unrest", it's important to consider the context and audience due to its negative connotations and formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir up trouble

This alternative uses more informal language to convey the idea of causing problems or disturbance.

incite disorder

This alternative suggests a more direct and intentional act of provoking chaos.

provoke instability

This alternative focuses on the creation of a state of being unstable.

instigate turmoil

This phrase implies the beginning of a period of confusion and disorder.

spark agitation

This suggests a sudden and intense onset of restlessness or excitement.

breed discontent

This alternative focuses on the generation of dissatisfaction that could lead to unrest.

fan the flames of discord

This idiomatic expression emphasizes the act of intensifying existing disagreements.

exacerbate tensions

This focuses on making existing tensions worse.

sow seeds of sedition

This phrase implies the planting of ideas that encourage resistance to authority.

agitate for disruption

This alternative suggests active campaigning to produce disturbance.

FAQs

What does "foment unrest" mean?

The phrase "foment unrest" means to instigate or promote trouble or public disturbance. It suggests actively encouraging or stirring up a state of disorder or agitation.

How can I use "foment unrest" in a sentence?

You can use "foment unrest" to describe actions that lead to social or political disruption. For example: "The government accused foreign powers of attempting to "foment unrest" within the country."

Are there synonyms for "foment unrest"?

Yes, some synonyms for "foment unrest" include "stir up trouble", "incite disorder", or "provoke instability". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "foment unrest" or "fomenting unrest"?

"Foment unrest" is the base form, while "fomenting unrest" is the present participle. "Foment unrest" is typically used as an infinitive or in simple present tense, while "fomenting unrest" is used in continuous tenses (e.g., "They are fomenting unrest").