inciting conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inciting conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors that provoke or stir up disagreements, disputes, or hostilities among individuals or groups. Example: "The politician's speech was criticized for inciting conflict among the community members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

And of course, my earlier comments provide a clear example of how I witnessed some officers inciting conflict.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inciting conflict", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is initiating the dispute or hostility. Provide specific examples or evidence to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "inciting conflict" as a vague accusation. Instead, specify the actions, words, or behaviors that are considered to be provocative and contribute to the escalation of tension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inciting conflict" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often describing an action that leads to disputes or hostilities. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inciting conflict" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions that provoke or escalate disputes, as validated by Ludwig. While relatively uncommon, it is primarily used in news and media contexts, highlighting behaviors that contribute to hostility. To ensure clarity, specify the actions that are provocative. Alternatives include "provoking conflict" or "stirring up conflict". The phrase is versatile and appropriate for various communication styles. Its neutral register and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for analyzing and discussing contentious situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoking conflict

Focuses on the act of provoking as the primary action, implying a direct instigation.

stirring up conflict

Emphasizes the act of agitating and disturbing an existing state of peace or agreement.

fomenting discord

Highlights the nurturing and encouragement of disagreement and disharmony.

triggering disputes

Focuses on setting off a series of arguments or disagreements.

inflaming tensions

Highlights the increase in existing stress or animosity.

instigating hostilities

Emphasizes the initiation of aggressive or warlike actions.

escalating disagreements

Highlights the increase in the intensity of existing disagreements.

sparking clashes

Focuses on initiating sudden and often violent confrontations.

aggravating disputes

Emphasizes the worsening of existing disagreements.

fuelling animosity

Highlights the intensification of strong dislike or hatred.

FAQs

How can "inciting conflict" be used in a sentence?

You can use "inciting conflict" to describe actions that provoke or escalate disputes. For example: "The inflammatory speech was criticized for inciting conflict within the community."

What are some alternatives to "inciting conflict"?

Some alternatives include "provoking conflict", "stirring up conflict", or "fomenting discord", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "inciting conflict" a formal or informal expression?

"Inciting conflict" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though the specific tone and register of the surrounding text should be considered. It is frequently used in news reports and academic discussions.

What's the difference between "inciting conflict" and "resolving conflict"?

"Inciting conflict" refers to actions that initiate or escalate disputes, whereas "resolving conflict" refers to actions that aim to de-escalate and settle disputes.