he instigated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he 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 instigated the argument between the two friends, leading to a fallout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He instigated it and it failed".

The Guardian

Mr. Coronado, 37, denies that he instigated Maxxam's recent troubles.

The New York Times

They said he had been informing on fellow hackers all while he instigated attacks.

The New York Times

He instigated the reorganization of this office and served as director from 1905 to 1920.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They say he instigated, ordered, sanctioned or knew of the crimes.

The New York Times

He instigated the first canon law degree, which he took himself, at Cardiff.

The Guardian

He instigated a series of ethics reforms to clean up Louisiana's reputation as a slough of corruption.

The Economist

He instigated his public speaking challenge, because he "used to live in great fear" of being asked to give speeches.

Independent

He instigated the beginning of a song with a stand-up stream-of-consciousness monologue around the word "intro".

The New York Times - Arts

Had he instigated the cultural overhaul at the start of his tenure the Newsnight catastrophes might have been avoided.

Independent

He instigated the hostile advance on Rio in November 2007, barely a month after becoming BHP's chief executive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he instigated", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the subject played a direct role in starting or provoking an action or event. The phrase often carries a negative connotation, so use it when that implication is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "he instigated" when a more neutral term like "he started" or "he initiated" would be more appropriate. "He instigated" often implies a degree of manipulation or negative intent, which may not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he instigated" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically as part of the predicate. It describes an action performed by the subject, indicating that he initiated or provoked something. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he instigated" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of initiating or provoking something. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it often carries a negative connotation implying a level of responsibility for the subsequent events. Alternatives like "he initiated" or "he started" may be more appropriate in contexts where a neutral tone is desired. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he initiated

Focuses on the commencement of an action or process, often with a less negative connotation.

he incited

Strongly suggests provoking a negative action or uprising.

he started

A more general term for beginning something, lacking the implication of causing or provoking.

he triggered

Implies a reactive beginning, where something is set off by an action.

he launched

Suggests a more formal or organized beginning, often used for projects or campaigns.

he sparked

Implies a sudden or energetic beginning, often of a conflict or movement.

he set in motion

Emphasizes the start of a process or sequence of events.

he prompted

Suggests urging or encouraging an action, rather than directly causing it.

he generated

Focuses on the creation or production of something, rather than its initiation.

he originated

Indicates the creation or invention of something new.

FAQs

How to use "he instigated" in a sentence?

Use "he instigated" when you want to convey that someone initiated or provoked a particular action or event, often with a negative implication. For example, "he instigated the fight" shows he started it, likely with negative intent.

What can I say instead of "he instigated"?

You can use alternatives like "he initiated", "he started", or "he prompted" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "he instigated" or "he initiated"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "He instigated" often implies a more direct and possibly negative influence, while "he initiated" is generally more neutral, suggesting simply the start of something.

What's the difference between "he instigated" and "he provoked"?

"He provoked" suggests a reaction to something, while "he instigated" implies a more proactive role in starting something. "He instigated" often has a stronger implication of initiating a series of events, while provoked often refers to a singular reaction.