inflammatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inflammatory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe words, phrases, or actions that stir up strong emotions or controversy. For example, "The inflammatory comments on the news caused an uproar in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is recognition that change is best accompanied by stability, and democracy only works if debate is conducted in a reasonable atmosphere where words can be bold, even harsh, but not inflammatory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Next week Le Pen, 86, will face a disciplinary hearing of the party's executive after a family rift in which Marine Le Pen denounced his inflammatory comments belittling the Holocaust and defended Marshal Pétain, the leader of France's Nazi collaborationist Vichy regime.

The Guardian

The very modest numbers of Romanians and Bulgarians coming to work in Britain this year is in stark contrast to the inflammatory rhetoric of earlier this year.

The Guardian

When it was put to the spokesman that describing the increase in these terms was "inflammatory", because the actual proportion has just gone up from around 6.5% to around 9%, the spokesman did not accept that.

The Guardian

For the left, the inflammatory accusations are sexism, homophobia and racism – alongside the newer charges of transphobia and "whorephobia".

The Guardian - Opinion

The 1994 concern among the Thistle contingent was that their club would be airbrushed from history, a matter seemingly endorsed by the choice of Caley's home ground for the new club's matches and the inflammatory painting of urinal walls in their old foes' colours.

The Guardian - Sport

It is the natural extension of the bizarrely dominant idea that if you include a person saying something sensible in any debate, you must also include the polar opposite, even if inflammatory and illogical, "for balance".

The Guardian - Opinion

Much of the media coverage in France, it must be said, has been excellent, forensic, intelligent and not inflammatory.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was accused of using inflammatory language to justify massive public spending cuts.

The Guardian

Tyrie said Osborne's inflammatory language was counterproductive.

The Guardian

Such inflammatory words only served to increase anger in the banlieues – it was clearly the language of war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inflammatory" to describe something, ensure that the context clearly indicates the nature of the strong emotional response it is likely to provoke. Avoid overuse in neutral contexts.

Common error

Don't confuse "inflammatory", which describes something that incites strong negative emotions, with words that simply describe something that is passionate or intense. The former carries a connotation of discord, while the latter may not.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inflammatory" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that causes or is likely to cause strong feelings of anger, excitement, or annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "inflammatory" is grammatically correct and very common in written English, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's primarily used to describe something that causes strong negative emotions or conflict, often appearing in News & Media contexts. Related terms include "provocative", "incendiary", and "seditious". When using this term, ensure the context supports its strong connotation of stirring negative emotions. Avoid confusing it with terms that merely denote passion or intensity. By understanding its nuanced application, writers can effectively convey the potential for discord and strong emotional responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provocative

This alternative focuses on the act of provoking or inciting a response.

incendiary

This term suggests something that is capable of causing fire, both literally and figuratively, implying a highly volatile or disruptive effect.

seditious

This alternative describes actions or speech that incite rebellion against an authority or state.

rabble-rousing

This phrase emphasizes the act of stirring up public anger or excitement, often for political purposes.

agitational

Focuses on the stirring up or arousing of public interest.

exciting

Describes that something has the ability to arouse enthusiasm and eagerness.

instigating

Implies the act of initiating or prompting an action, often with negative connotations.

fiery

Focuses on the passion or intensity of something, suggesting a strong and potentially volatile nature.

controversial

Highlights the divisive nature of something, indicating that it is likely to cause disagreement or debate.

tumultuous

Suggests a state of disturbance, disorder, or uproar.

FAQs

How can I use "inflammatory" in a sentence?

You can use "inflammatory" to describe comments, rhetoric, or situations that provoke anger or strong reactions. For example, "The politician's speech was considered highly "provocative"".

What words can I use instead of "inflammatory"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, alternatives to "inflammatory" include "provocative", "incendiary", or "seditious".

What's the difference between "inflammatory" and "provocative"?

"Inflammatory" typically implies a stronger likelihood of causing anger or violence, while "provocative" simply means tending to provoke a response, which may not necessarily be negative.

Is it appropriate to use "inflammatory" in formal writing?

Yes, "inflammatory" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing something intended to cause strong negative emotions or conflict. However, avoid using it if a more neutral term would suffice.