incite trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incite trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing actions or behaviors that provoke or stir up conflict or problems. Example: "The protest was peaceful until a few individuals began to incite trouble, leading to chaos in the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Preliminary analysis of this Twitter activity in 12 riot locations shows the majority of surging social media traffic occurs after the first verified reports of incidents in an area, which could suggest that Twitter was used far more by those seeking to follow fast-moving events than to incite trouble – although it is not possible to say it played no role.

The Guardian

"These messages appear to be an attempt to incite trouble by posting messages inviting people to assemble and cause trouble at particular locations.

BBC

I don't want to incite trouble between the Mommy Bloggers and the Midlife Bloggers, although that would be grand fun, but I'm feeling a bit defensive about all the mother-in-law bashing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They could say that's inciting trouble".

The New York Times

He also said that a police source had shared his itinerary with the press, thereby inciting trouble.

The New York Times

In many instances, the army has been seen as part of the problem by inciting trouble, or simply by not responding to it even when present.

The Economist

The campaigners were sentenced to two years in jail in January 2015 for "inciting trouble" and belonging to an unrecognised organisation but the supreme court modified their convictions.

The Guardian

In most genres, performers try their hardest to whip the audience into a frenzy, but Bounty Killer had to generate excitement without inciting trouble.

The New York Times - Arts

"Yes, I do".… "I think much more progress was made between the two races before the last few years, when you and other people started inciting trouble between the two races".

The New Yorker

His later conversion to power-sharing and a semblance of basic human decency means Paisley can be seen as a deceptively benign figure, but at the time his tub-thumping speeches, naked sectarianism and skill at inciting trouble with a degree of deniability meant he was a dangerous man indeed.

Vice

You feel often feel that you have to be walking on eggshells to avoid inciting trouble.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incite trouble" when you want to emphasize the deliberate act of provoking problems or conflict, especially when it involves encouraging others to participate.

Common error

Be careful not to use "incite trouble" when simply describing accidental or unintentional disruptions. The phrase implies a degree of intentionality and active encouragement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incite trouble" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "incite" is the verb and "trouble" is the noun. It describes the act of encouraging or provoking conflict or disturbance. As shown by Ludwig, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incite trouble" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the action of deliberately provoking conflict or disturbance. Ludwig's analysis of diverse sources reveals its consistent usage across news, general writing, and even scientific contexts. While not overwhelmingly frequent, its presence in reputable sources like The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times underscores its reliability. For alternative wordings, consider "stir up conflict", or "provoke unrest", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir up conflict

Focuses more broadly on creating conflict rather than specific trouble.

provoke unrest

Implies a wider disturbance, often involving a larger group of people.

instigate conflict

Emphasizes the act of initiating the conflict.

provoke chaos

Highlights the disorderly and disruptive nature of the trouble.

spark unrest

Uses a metaphor to describe the sudden beginning of trouble.

trigger disruption

Focuses on the act of initiating disturbance or interruption.

foment discord

Suggests a deliberate effort to create disagreement and disharmony.

cause friction

Highlights the tension and disagreement resulting from the action.

brew up a storm

Idiomatic expression indicating the building up of tension and problems.

fan the flames

Metaphorically refers to worsening an already tense situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "incite trouble" to describe actions that provoke or stir up conflict. For example: "The group was accused of trying to "incite trouble" at the peaceful protest."

What is a synonym for "incite trouble"?

Alternatives to "incite trouble" include "stir up conflict", "provoke unrest", or "foment discord".

Is "incite trouble" a formal or informal expression?

"Incite trouble" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation, but is more commonly found in news or general writing rather than academic papers.

What is the difference between "incite trouble" and "cause trouble"?

"Incite trouble" implies a deliberate act of encouraging or provoking problems, while "cause trouble" can refer to both intentional and unintentional actions that lead to difficulties.