in uproar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in uproar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a lot of noise, chaos, or public outcry, often in response to something controversial or upsetting. Example: "The community was in uproar after the announcement of the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Books

Sport

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The place was in uproar".

Independent

Parliament was in uproar.

The Guardian - Opinion

And yet the residents are in uproar.

The Economist

SLOVAKIA is in shock; France in uproar.

The Economist

Then the place was in uproar.

Independent

"Millions are in uproar about #Cairo.

The New York Times

The newsdesk was in uproar.

The Guardian

Brazil is a country in uproar.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pub was in uproar," says Morath.

The Guardian

It was a society in uproar.

The Guardian - Books

The KC was, briefly, in uproar.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "in uproar". Ensure it accurately reflects the scale and nature of the disturbance or protest. It's most appropriate when describing large-scale or highly vocal opposition.

Common error

While "in uproar" is a vivid phrase, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for less intense alternatives like "agitated" or "concerned" when describing individual reactions rather than widespread societal unrest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in uproar" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig, it modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a state of widespread public disturbance or outrage. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing societal reactions to events or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Opinion

15%

Books

5%

Less common in

Sport

3%

Film

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in uproar" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict situations marked by widespread public dissent or strong negative reactions. According to Ludwig, it typically functions as a prepositional phrase, adding descriptive detail to a noun or pronoun. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a register leaning toward neutral to formal. While "in uproar" effectively conveys intensity, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, with consideration given to the specific context to prevent sounding overly dramatic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, further validating its widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in tumult

This alternative directly replaces "uproar" with "tumult", indicating a state of noisy confusion or disorder.

in turmoil

This phrase substitutes "uproar" with "turmoil", suggesting a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

in an uproar

Adding "an" before "uproar" slightly alters the grammatical structure while maintaining the same meaning.

in unrest

This option replaces "uproar" with "unrest", implying a state of disturbance or dissatisfaction, often public and involving protests or riots.

in agitation

This phrase uses "agitation" instead of "uproar", denoting a state of anxiety or nervous excitement.

in commotion

This substitutes "uproar" with "commotion", highlighting a state of confused and noisy disturbance.

in an uproar of

Adding "of" after uproar changes the phrase to suggest the origin or cause of the uproar.

in protest

This phrase describes a specific type of uproar, one involving an expression of disapproval or objection.

in disarray

While not directly related to protest, this suggests a state of disorder or confusion, similar to the aftermath of an uproar.

in chaos

This alternative replaces "uproar" with "chaos", indicating a state of complete disorder and confusion.

FAQs

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

Use "in uproar" to describe situations where there is widespread public outrage or disturbance. For example: "The community was "in uproar" after the announcement of the new policy changes."

What are some alternatives to "in uproar"?

You can use alternatives like "in tumult", "in turmoil", or "in unrest" depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "in uproar" or "in an uproar"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""in uproar"" is generally more common and concise. The addition of "an" doesn't significantly alter the meaning.

How does "in uproar" differ from "in chaos"?

"In uproar" specifically implies public dissent or outrage, while "in chaos" refers to a state of complete disorder and confusion, which may not necessarily involve public outcry.