he has instigated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has instigated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who has initiated or provoked a particular action or event, often with a negative connotation. Example: "He has instigated a series of protests that have drawn attention to the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Despite his declarations against corruption, he has instigated no investigations over the railway contracts and other dodgy-sounding schemes.And Kenya remains split along tribal lines (see table).

The Economist

Since 1999, English has been the firm's official language.Mr Middelhoff also attaches great importance to the less formal dress code he has instigated.

The Economist

This might seem strange when he has instigated a $34 minimum wage of his own, but this was driven more by personal philosophy than economics or politics.

The Guardian

"He has instigated others to kill, has misused public funds, threatened and instigated and even took part in recruiting and bringing in mercenaries," Mohammed al-Alagi said.

The Guardian

He has instigated another breakneck speed reform programme in the prisons in his job as justice secretary but so far without significant results.

The Guardian

Even though he has instigated some timid reforms which Cubans welcome (such as allowing them to own cellphones, and legally to buy building materials), he is not a popular president.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

His lawyer, Robert Asher, would not say whether he had instigated the latest investigation of Dr. Arbit.

The New York Times

Reports said he had instigated a fight and that he was known to be involved in street gangs.

The Guardian

Again, Gashi was the star witness by admitting that he had instigated the crime on Mahmood's behalf.

The Guardian

When Mr. Price acknowledged in April that he had instigated violence against Jews in Crown Heights in 1991, a judge sentenced him to 11 years and 8 months.

The New York Times

Carne said he had instigated a programme to tidy up a railway that was "frankly, sometimes a bit of a scrapheap", including picking up tens of thousands of tonnes of old rails and sleepers.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he has instigated", consider the connotation. It often implies a negative or problematic initiation. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the role of the subject in starting something potentially undesirable.

Common error

Avoid using "he has instigated" when a more neutral verb like "initiated" or "started" would be more appropriate. "Instigated" carries a weight of implication, suggesting a deliberate and potentially troublesome beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has instigated" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'he' is the subject, 'has' is an auxiliary verb, and 'instigated' is the main verb in the past participle form. It describes an action that the subject has initiated. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he has instigated" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase, indicating that a male subject has initiated or provoked a particular event, usually carrying negative implications. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. While versatile, it finds its most common application in news reporting and analytical contexts, reflecting its capacity to convey information with a nuanced sense of responsibility or causation. While several alternatives exist, such as "he initiated" or "he provoked", the choice of the most appropriate substitute depends on the specific nuance the writer seeks to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he initiated

Focuses on the act of starting or beginning something.

he provoked

Highlights the aspect of eliciting a reaction or response.

he triggered

Implies setting off a chain of events or a sudden reaction.

he incited

Suggests urging or persuading someone to act, often in a negative way.

he spurred

Emphasizes encouraging or motivating action.

he fomented

Implies stirring up trouble or discord.

he generated

Focuses on the creation or production of something.

he set in motion

Highlights the commencement of a process or series of events.

he brought about

Focuses on causing something to happen or exist.

he gave rise to

Implies being the origin or cause of something.

FAQs

How can I use "he has instigated" in a sentence?

Use "he has instigated" to describe someone who has initiated or provoked an event, typically one with negative consequences. For example, "He has instigated a series of protests that have disrupted the city."

What are some alternatives to "he has instigated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "he initiated", "he provoked", or "he triggered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "he has instigated" and "he started"?

"He started" is a more neutral term, simply indicating the beginning of something. "He has instigated" implies a more active role in causing something to happen, often with a negative or problematic outcome. Compare: "He started the project" versus "He has instigated a conflict".

Is "he has instigated" formal or informal language?

"He has instigated" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for news reports, academic papers, and professional communications. While not overly technical, it carries a more serious tone than simply saying "he started".