instigate a change

USAGE SUMMARY

'instigate a change' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the process of initiating or prompting a specific change. For example, "I decided to instigate a change and ran for public office in my local area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

His remarks were significant because it was the first time FIFA has indicated it could instigate a change based on medical evidence.

The New York Times - Sports

The manager retains the support of the club's major shareholders – the chairman, Steve Parish, and the American investors, Josh Harris and David Blitzer – and there is no desire at present within the hierarchy to instigate a change in the dugout.

The Guardian - Sport

The priority for McIntyre, though, is to instigate a change in mood.

BBC

She seeks not only to convey her disavowal and condemnation of a certain law or policy, but also to draw public attention to this particular issue and thereby to instigate a change in law or policy.

SEP

Likewise, support from individuals can instigate a change in the social environment attesting to the reciprocal relationship between individuals and environment.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It has taken more than a year of feminist campaigning to bring this issue to prominence, since Ailsa Burkimsher Sadler instigated a Change.org petition calling for mothers' names to be added, in August 2013.

The Guardian - Opinion

To highlight its affective role, this type of subject can be called Affector, which instigates a change on the object, the Affectee, which undergoes the change, as marked with accusative case in Czech.

Lingua Sinica

The practice nurses instigated a change in the focus of goal setting from a medical focus, such as cholesterol, to a lifestyle-focused goal.

BMJ Open

Or could a roly-poly really instigate a sexuality change?

Vice

This recognition may instigate a major change in how the commercial wood should be processed and also in the state of the art of violin-making.

Plosone

The desire to instigate an early change in therapy in non-responders arose from a belief that this improved outcome.

Cancer Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instigate a change" when you want to emphasize the initiation of a significant shift or alteration, especially one that requires active effort or intervention. For example, "The new CEO aimed to instigate a change in the company's culture."

Common error

Avoid using "instigate a change" in very casual settings; alternatives like "start a change" or "bring about a change" might be more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instigate a change" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of initiating or prompting an alteration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often appears in contexts where deliberate action is taken to bring about a new state or situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instigate a change" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of initiating or prompting a shift. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English, although more common in news, science, and formal contexts. While not as frequent as other similar expressions, its precise meaning and relatively formal tone make it suitable for professional and analytical discussions. Alternatives like "initiate a change" or "trigger a change" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initiate a change

Substitutes "instigate" with "initiate", providing a direct synonym with nearly identical meaning.

Launch a change

Replaces "instigate" with "launch", focusing on the act of starting or initiating the change more directly.

Trigger a change

Uses "trigger" to indicate causing a change to start, often implying a more reactive or sensitive initiation.

Prompt a change

Emphasizes the action of encouraging or causing a change to occur.

Stimulate a change

Highlights the action of encouraging or arousing a change.

Generate a change

Focuses on creating or producing a change, rather than just starting it.

Provoke a change

Suggests that the change is a response to something, often implying a strong reaction.

Incentivize a change

Focuses on providing motivation or encouragement for a change to happen.

Elicit a change

Highlights bringing about a change, or drawing it out of something else.

Advocate a change

Focuses on publicly supporting and recommending a change.

FAQs

How can I use "instigate a change" in a sentence?

You can use "instigate a change" when you want to express initiating or prompting a specific change. For example, "The community leaders worked together to instigate a change in local policies".

What are some alternatives to "instigate a change"?

You can use alternatives like "initiate a change", "trigger a change", or "prompt a change" depending on the context.

Is "instigate a change" formal or informal?

"Instigate a change" leans toward the formal side, suitable for professional or academic writing. In more casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "instigate a change" and "implement a change"?

"Instigate a change" refers to starting or prompting the change, while "implement a change" means putting the change into effect or carrying it out.