instigated it

USAGE SUMMARY

"instigated it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone who has provoked or initiated an action or event. Example: "He instigated it by spreading rumors among the team." Alternative expressions include "provoked it" and "initiated it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He instigated it and it failed".

The Guardian

As if I'd instigated it".

The Guardian - Music

Worse, she had instigated it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Drummond was the guy who instigated it" says Stewart.

Independent

He has traditionally been on the receiving end of indiscipline not instigated it.

The Guardian - Sport

I think it was me who instigated it, but I'm not entirely sure.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

In fact, AAUW is doing its best to instigate it.

Huffington Post

A virtual sex crime might elicit a very different response if, instead of pressing a button to instigate it, you were required to mimic its pelvic thrusts and parries — even if, as in Nabokov's work, it was included to illustrate or illuminate, not titillate.

The New Yorker

We never instigate it.

The Guardian

Did he not instigate it?

The Guardian - Music

You didn't instigate it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instigated it", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what initiated the action. Clarity avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "instigated it" is acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "initiated it" or "brought it about" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instigated it" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of initiating or provoking something. Ludwig examples show it used to describe actions that started events, conflicts, or processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instigated it" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the act of initiating or provoking an event. Ludwig AI classifies its grammatical status as correct. Its frequency is 'common', mainly appearing in news and media, but also in science and business contexts. While generally appropriate, consider more formal alternatives like "initiated it" in certain settings. The phrase effectively communicates the assignment of responsibility or causality. When writing, ensure clarity regarding who or what did the instigating. Overall, "instigated it" serves as a useful and readily understandable way to describe the commencement of an action or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated it

Replaces "instigated" with a more neutral term, focusing on the act of starting something.

provoked it

Emphasizes the element of causing a reaction or conflict.

triggered it

Highlights the action that set off a chain of events.

sparked it

Suggests a sudden or forceful beginning.

started it

A simpler, more general alternative.

set it in motion

Implies a process has been initiated.

brought it about

Focuses on causing something to happen.

prompted it

Suggests a degree of influence or encouragement.

incited it

Implies stirring up a negative or volatile situation.

fomented it

Highlights a deliberate effort to stir up trouble or discord.

FAQs

What does "instigated it" mean?

The phrase "instigated it" means to have initiated or provoked a particular action, event, or situation. It implies being the starting point or cause of something.

What can I say instead of "instigated it"?

You can use alternatives like "initiated it", "provoked it", or "started it" depending on the context.

How can I use "instigated it" in a sentence?

Example: "He denies that he "instigated it", claiming he was merely reacting to the situation."

Is "instigated it" formal or informal?

The phrase "instigated it" is generally considered neutral. While acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, consider the specific tone and audience when choosing your wording. A more formal alternative might be "initiated it".