great commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

"great commotion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of excitement, confusion, or disturbance. Example: The announcement of the company's new CEO caused great commotion among the employees, as they eagerly awaited the changes he would bring.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Their silence is great commotion".

The New York Times - Books

It was a scene of great commotion.

The New Yorker

Before dawn the next day, a protest raised a great commotion: gunfire, clanging, people shouting.

The New Yorker

A cement-streaked truck was hurtling down the street with a great commotion.

The New Yorker

"Hardly fifteen minutes had passed after my tale when there was suddenly a great commotion," Tivadar wrote.

The New Yorker

One evening, when I was interviewing torture victims in a Syrian safe house in Lebanon, there was a great commotion.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Still, Mr. Gibson, mobbed by paparazzi and shouting fans, caused the greatest commotion.

The New York Times

And one group of refugees raised a great deal of commotion one day because one man kept them from using the bathroom before going to church.

The New Yorker

Q: The budget cuts announced last month will hit 12 state-funded institutes hard and have caused a great deal of commotion.

Science Magazine

Green's license is sure to cause a great deal of commotion as many businesses are angry that the city of Los Angeles hasn't created a smooth transition plan for existing businesses.

Forbes

Domestic violence discussed in "Dad, I am back" received a great deal of commotion since he was the first to bring up this taboo subject in Sanscript music.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great commotion" to vividly describe situations involving noticeable disturbance, excitement, or disruption. It's particularly effective in narrative or descriptive writing where you want to convey the intensity of the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "great commotion" in highly formal or professional contexts, as it might sound too informal. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "significant disturbance" or "considerable disruption" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great commotion" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an instance of significant disturbance or agitation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great commotion" is a correct and usable phrase that describes a state of excitement, confusion, or disturbance. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts, though it should be used cautiously in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "significant disturbance" or "considerable uproar" can offer a more neutral tone when needed. It's important to use "great commotion" when you want to vividly describe situations involving noticeable disturbance or excitement in your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant disturbance

Replaces 'commotion' with a more formal term for disruption.

considerable uproar

Substitutes both 'great' and 'commotion' with synonyms emphasizing public outcry.

major disruption

Emphasizes the disruptive aspect of the commotion.

intense excitement

Focuses on the heightened emotional state associated with the event.

widespread agitation

Highlights the restless and uneasy nature of the situation.

substantial unrest

Indicates a state of disturbance and potential discontent.

considerable flurry

Suggests a brief period of hurried activity and excitement.

major stir

A more concise way to express a situation causing considerable interest and excitement.

significant stir

A more concise way to express a situation causing considerable interest and excitement.

general tumult

Uses a more formal synonym for commotion, emphasizing disorder.

FAQs

How can I use "great commotion" in a sentence?

You can use "great commotion" to describe a scene of significant disturbance or excitement. For example, "The arrival of the celebrity caused a "great commotion" among the fans".

What are some alternatives to "great commotion"?

Some alternatives include "significant disturbance", "considerable uproar", or "major disruption", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "great commotion" suitable for formal writing?

While "great commotion" is widely understood, it may be perceived as informal in certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using alternatives like "significant disturbance" or "considerable disruption" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "great commotion" and "great excitement"?

"Great commotion" generally implies a disturbance or disruption, while "great excitement" focuses more on the heightened emotional state. "Great commotion" can include excitement, but it also encompasses elements of disorder or confusion.