incite conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

"incite conflict" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to provoke or instigate a conflict or argument. Example: The politician's inflammatory speech incited conflict among the citizens, leading to protests and violence in the streets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Some people worry that the incident of the poultry manure spread could incite conflict between farmers and suburban residents.

The New York Times

Assad's regime has taken advantage of sectarian violence to incite conflict and pit brother against brother in Khaldiyeh, Baba Amr and Bab al-Sebaa.

The Guardian

Mr. Putin accused the Ukrainian government of using terrorism to incite conflict over Crimea, which has been heavily militarized since Russia annexed it from Ukraine in 2014.

The New York Times

It's fair to say they were wary that religion could incite conflict and on the other hand they saw religion was essential to the composition of a moral citizenry.

The New York Times - Arts

In a 1989 study, for example, Dr. Rena Repetti, also of U.C.L.A., found that mothers returning home after a stressful day at the office were more likely to devote time to their children, while fathers were more likely to withdraw or incite conflict.

The New York Times

If princes incite conflict, the pope should intervene to settle the dispute.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's a spectacle of the absurd engineered specifically to incite conflicts between famous people or to shock the more conservative-minded viewer.

The Guardian

So what have they taught me, my seven years engaged with the inciting conflict of our terrorist-obsessed age?

The Guardian

I talked about the need to avoid outsiders visiting an area with the express intention of inciting conflict, as happened in Bradford.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the state opposition, while supporting the development of Pumphouse Point, said that inciting conflict was not a good place for the government to start if it wanted to introduce new tourism projects.

The Guardian - Opinion

One minister has been sacked from the cabinet, accused of inciting conflict in the Tana Delta region.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incite conflict" when you want to emphasize the deliberate act of provoking or instigating a disagreement or struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "incite conflict" when the action is unintentional. Use alternatives like "trigger" or "spark" if the conflict arises as an unforeseen consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incite conflict" functions as a verb phrase where "incite" is the verb and "conflict" is the noun acting as the object. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts, indicating its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incite conflict" is a commonly used expression that describes the act of provoking or instigating disagreement, quarrels, or wars. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts such as news and media, scientific publications, and general discussions. Its function is to denote an action intended to stir up trouble, and while it maintains a neutral register, the selection of alternative words like "instigate conflict" or "foment conflict" can help refine the emphasis and formality of the statement. Therefore, it's important to consider the intent and context when using "incite conflict" to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoke conflict

Focuses on actively causing conflict to arise.

instigate conflict

Highlights the initiation or starting of a conflict.

foment conflict

Suggests nurturing or promoting the growth of conflict.

trigger conflict

Implies setting off a conflict, often unintentionally.

spark conflict

Emphasizes a sudden or immediate start to a conflict.

fuel conflict

Indicates adding to or intensifying an existing conflict.

stir up conflict

Suggests creating or increasing unrest that leads to conflict.

aggravate conflict

Highlights the worsening or intensification of a conflict.

exacerbate conflict

Focuses on making an existing conflict more severe or bitter.

inflame conflict

Emphasizes the escalation of emotional intensity in a conflict.

FAQs

What does "incite conflict" mean?

The phrase "incite conflict" means to provoke or deliberately start a disagreement, quarrel, or war. It suggests an intentional act of stirring up trouble.

How can I use "incite conflict" in a sentence?

You can use "incite conflict" to describe actions that lead to arguments or battles. For example, "The politician's inflammatory remarks were intended to "incite conflict" among different factions of the population."

Which is a better fit, "incite conflict" or "resolve conflict"?

The choice between "incite conflict" and "resolve conflict" depends on the context. "Incite conflict" means to provoke discord, while "resolve conflict" means to find a peaceful solution. They have opposite meanings.

Are there formal alternatives to "incite conflict"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "instigate conflict", "foment conflict", or "exacerbate conflict". These options often carry a more serious or deliberate connotation than simply "inciting".