fomenting discord

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fomenting discord" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or situation in which someone is deliberately trying to stir up trouble or disagreement between two or more people or groups. For example: "The senator's inflammatory statements were seen as a deliberate attempt at fomenting discord between the two political parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

At any rate, five of the new arrivals "were trouble from the start," constantly complaining and generally fomenting discord.

The New York Times - Books

Worse, the president and his allies had reached into people's spiritual lives, lecturing a conservative nation on belief while fomenting discord between Muslims and Christians, he said.

The New York Times

Facebook's general counsel, Colin Stretch, testified that Russian activity had continued after the election "fomenting discord about the validity" of Trump's victory.

The Guardian

Mr Yusuf says he "cannot function" without foreign military back-up, which is probably true, but the peacekeepers could themselves create problems.One of the five African nations offering to send troops is Ethiopia, a neighbour with a long history of fomenting discord in Somalia.

The Economist

In McMullin's view, the forces that drove the British vote to leave the European Union and have aided the rise of Trump are part of the "same movement, fueled largely by the Russians who seek to destabilize eastern and western Europe as well as North America through fomenting discord between different racial groups, different ethnic groups and different religious groups".

The Guardian

In many of the current domestic flash points — over guns and geography, race and gender, religion and institutions — the nation's cultural, political and even economic leaders often seem more interested in fomenting discord than in rallying us around a shared battle plan.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Without this vital ally, Tehran will find it more difficult to foment discord in the Arab world.

The New York Times

However, anti-evolutionists continue to foment discord at local levels, where opposition to the teaching of evolution can be presented without strong resistance.

Comptes Rendus Biologies

But Sabo, the self-described libertarian street artist who put up the posters, is hoping to foment discord among the Democrats.

The New York Times

Facebook's recent revelations that it sold thousands of ads to a Russian troll operation seeking to foment discord during last year's elections have led its executives to pledge cooperation with U.S. investigators.

The Washington Post

Although the next vote is five months away, Ayatollah Khamenei and his subordinates have been warning that Iran's domestic and foreign enemies will use the campaign to foment discord in attempts to subvert the Islamist government that has been in power since the 1979 revolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fomenting discord" when you want to emphasize the deliberate and often underhanded nature of instigating conflict. It suggests a calculated effort to disrupt harmony.

Common error

Avoid using "fomenting discord" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place; simpler terms like "stirring up trouble" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fomenting discord" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, often serving as the object of a verb like "accused of" or "aimed at". According to Ludwig AI, it describes an action or situation where someone intentionally stirs up trouble or disagreement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fomenting discord" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of deliberately stirring up conflict or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media, but it is important to consider the formality of the term. As seen from the examples, it is frequently found in news and media to highlight divisive situations. While accurate and appropriate, "fomenting discord" is best reserved for more formal or professional contexts, and remember there are various alternatives—such as "stirring up trouble" or "inciting conflict"—that may be suitable depending on the register you wish to achieve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stirring up trouble

Focuses on the act of causing disturbance or problems.

inciting conflict

Emphasizes the action of provoking a fight or dispute.

sowing division

Highlights the creation of separation and disagreement among people.

agitating unrest

Focuses on stirring up public disturbance or dissatisfaction.

provoking dissension

Emphasizes the act of causing disagreement and conflict within a group.

exacerbating tensions

Highlights the worsening of already existing strained relationships or situations.

fueling animosity

Focuses on intensifying feelings of hostility or hatred.

kindling strife

Emphasizes the act of igniting or starting conflict.

breeding resentment

Highlights the creation of a feeling of bitterness and indignation.

creating friction

Focuses on generating conflict and disagreement through opposing actions or ideas.

FAQs

What does "fomenting discord" mean?

"Fomenting discord" means instigating or stirring up conflict, disagreement, or trouble. It suggests a deliberate attempt to disrupt harmony.

How to use "fomenting discord" in a sentence?

You can use "fomenting discord" to describe actions that create division, for example: "The politician was accused of "stirring up trouble" and "fomenting discord" among voters."

What are some synonyms for "fomenting discord"?

Alternatives include "stirring up trouble", "inciting conflict", or "sowing division". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fomenting discord" a formal or informal expression?

"Fomenting discord" is a relatively formal expression, best suited for academic writing, news reports, or professional communications. In casual contexts, simpler phrases are generally preferred.