in commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

"in commotion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a state of uproar or chaos. For example, "The market was in commotion as rumors of the company going bankrupt spread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

And the delivery schedule for Airbus's answer to the Dreamliner, the A350, has been slipping.In this section Fleecing the flock Faster, faster, faster Research in commotion Dotcom bust Psst, wanna buy a law firm?

The Economist

His boldest step will be to find a new chief marketing officer.In this section Fleecing the flock Faster, faster, faster Research in commotion Dotcom bust Psst, wanna buy a law firm?

The Economist

Substitute "globalised economy" for "desert" and this describes the modern world quite well.In this section Fleecing the flock Faster, faster, faster Research in commotion Dotcom bust Psst, wanna buy a law firm?

The Economist

Mr Taylor offered "low-risk investment with high performances", chosen with guidance from God.In this section Fleecing the flock Faster, faster, faster Research in commotion Dotcom bust Psst, wanna buy a law firm?

The Economist

Some vowels sound very different: my and thy become me and thee; tion, as in commotion, becomes commo-see-on; hour sounds like oar -- or whore, which made one of Shakespeare's puns suddenly make sense.

The New York Times

So the men published his commands; and now all Asia was in commotion by the space of three years, while everywhere, as Greece was to be attacked, the best and bravest were enrolled for the service, and had to make their preparations accordingly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In the smaller Serbian enclave of Gracanica, by contrast, Swedish troops move in forcefully to arrest troublemakers immediately in commotions.

The New York Times

"Sound Prints," which opened the set, took on an episodic shape, beginning in freeform commotion and shifting in and out of swinging certainty.

The New York Times - Arts

In the commotion, Armstrong managed to bowl two overs in succession, an action also against the laws of cricket.

Wikipedia

And in the commotion of the gunfire and the burning huts her children all scattered in different directions.

The New York Times

In the commotion, Henry disappeared.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in commotion" to vividly describe situations where there is a lot of noise, confusion, and activity, such as during a protest or a natural disaster.

Common error

Avoid using "in commotion" to describe peaceful or orderly settings. This phrase implies disruption and disorder, which would be inappropriate in calm contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in commotion" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to describe a state of disturbance, agitation, or chaos. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe physical spaces or groups of people experiencing this state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in commotion" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe situations marked by significant disturbance and disorder. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable, although relatively rare, with primary usage in news and academic contexts. When writing, use "in commotion" to vividly portray a scene full of noise and confusion, but avoid it in calm or orderly situations. Alternatives include "in turmoil", "in an uproar", and "amid the chaos".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of agitation

This clearly conveys a state of anxiety or nervous excitement.

in a turmoil

This indicates a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

in an uproar

This suggests a state of noisy excitement or disturbance.

in a state of unrest

This alternative highlights the lack of peace and order.

amid the chaos

This highlights that the commotion is chaotic.

in a frenzy

This emphasizes a state of wild excitement or agitation.

in a flurry

This suggests a sudden burst of activity or excitement.

amidst the turbulence

This suggests disturbance or disorder.

in a hubbub

This highlights a confused noise of voices.

in disarray

This emphasizes the lack of order and organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "in commotion" to describe a scene filled with disturbance, like: "The crowd was "in commotion" after the unexpected announcement."

What's a more formal way to say "in commotion"?

A more formal alternative would be "in a state of unrest" or "in a state of agitation". Both phrases convey a similar meaning of disturbance but sound more professional.

What are some synonyms for "in commotion"?

Synonyms include "in turmoil", "in uproar", or "amid the chaos". Each suggests a different nuance of disturbance.

Is it correct to say "the city was in commotion"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. This implies that the city experienced a significant disruption or disturbance. For instance, "The city was "in commotion" after the earthquake".