inciting unrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inciting unrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing actions or speech that provoke disorder or agitation among a group of people. Example: "The politician's speech was criticized for inciting unrest among the crowd, leading to protests later that evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The court upheld a charge of inciting unrest.

The New York Times

He was given an additional four-year sentence for inciting unrest and "insulting religious beliefs".

The New York Times

Khamenei blamed the "diabolical" British for inciting unrest after the Green Revolution of 2009.

Independent

Anecdotal evidence suggests BlackBerry Messenger was also used by some rioters to disseminate messages inciting unrest.

The Guardian

But the last visit came after the junta publicly singled him out, accusing him of inciting unrest.

The New York Times

Beijing has been clamping down on dissent in Xinjiang, blaming the East Turkistan Muslim Movement for inciting unrest.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Nepal's bullying of its Tibetan community is more likely to incite unrest inside China than to dampen it.

The New Yorker

The police wanted to know why we were there and accused us of a conspiracy to incite unrest.

The New York Times

The government also sought to censor text messages during the elections, seeking to block words it thought might incite unrest, like "Egypt" or "bullet," according to news reports.

The New York Times

"The Vietnamese government has been steadily tightening the screws on independent Montagnard religious groups, claiming they are using religion to incite unrest".

The New York Times

The plenum also adopted measures "to combat 'the plot of peaceful evolution' and schemes to incite unrest and overthrow, as well as distortions by hostile forces".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inciting unrest", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. It often implies a deliberate attempt to provoke disorder, so ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "inciting unrest" in highly formal or academic writing where more neutral language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "contributing to instability" or "promoting dissent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inciting unrest" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and appears in diverse contexts. Examples show it describing actions that lead to public disturbance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inciting unrest" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase that describes actions intended to provoke public disorder. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence, particularly within news and media contexts. While the phrase is neutral in register, it carries a negative connotation due to its association with social disruption. When using "inciting unrest", consider the deliberate nature of the instigation and whether a more neutral term might be appropriate for formal settings. Alternatives like "stirring up trouble" or "provoking discord" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. It's important to be mindful of the term's legal implications, as "inciting unrest" can be linked to sedition or incitement to riot.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stirring up trouble

Focuses on creating general disturbance or problems, which is a broader concept than just unrest.

provoking discord

Emphasizes the act of causing disagreement and conflict.

instigating turmoil

Highlights the creation of chaotic and disordered conditions.

fomenting rebellion

Specifically refers to instigating a revolt or uprising against authority.

whipping up dissent

Suggests actively encouraging and intensifying disagreement.

sparking agitation

Implies initiating or triggering a state of anxiety or excitement.

agitating for disruption

Focuses on promoting disturbance and disorder.

fuelling social disruption

Emphasizes the action of intensifying disorder within society.

breeding discontent

Focuses on cultivating a sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

igniting public outrage

Stresses triggering a strong feeling of anger or indignation among the public.

FAQs

How is "inciting unrest" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "inciting unrest" is often used to describe actions or speech that provoke public disorder, riots, or other forms of civil disturbance. For example: "The politician was accused of "inciting unrest" with his inflammatory remarks."

What are some alternatives to "inciting unrest"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "stirring up trouble", "provoking discord", or "fomenting rebellion". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

What is the difference between "inciting unrest" and "encouraging protest"?

"Inciting unrest" suggests a stronger, more negative action that leads to disorder and potentially violence, while "encouraging protest" implies supporting a more peaceful and legitimate form of public expression.

Is "inciting unrest" a legal term?

Yes, "inciting unrest" can be a legal term, often associated with laws against sedition or incitement to riot, though the exact definition and legal consequences vary by jurisdiction.