instigates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instigates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of provoking or inciting someone to take action, often in a negative or troublesome context. Example: "His comments instigates a heated debate among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Discrimination against or oppression of any ethnic group, and acts which undermine ethnic unity or instigates division, are prohibited.

The Economist

After a bit, these apparent money-spinners turn sour and this instigates a general revulsion from risk.

The Economist

In Anglo-American law one who instigates, encourages, or counsels the principal without being present during the crime is called an accessory before the fact; in continental law this third degree of participation is covered partly by the concept of instigation and partly by the above-mentioned aide et assistance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first of those, the damage that instigates transformation, is known as initiation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is this alter ego of the creator who cannot even let go of a disrespect for wood to save his marriage who, though bullheaded and insensitive, shines as a hero as he instigates a runaway cursing scene in an upscale restaurant.

Britannica

Each generation of clubbers tends to believe it has discovered world-changing new forms of music and bacchanalia, and each generation of journalists duly instigates a moral panic in response.

Independent

All mainstream parties agree, however, that the NPD actively encourages and instigates violence.

Independent

Now the 36-year-old, promoted last April to head the business responsible for managing the UK's telecoms infrastructure, instigates such conversations.

Independent

Unless you're the only one who instigates, got your mouth, open your heart".

The New Yorker

Mario reminded me of K. and his pursuit of the barmaid Frieda, in Kafka's "The Castle," and of the kind of lost-loved-one dreams that "The Castle" both mimics and instigates.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nemes admirably re-instigates discussion of the awe-inspiring, complex, and yet unassimilated experience of Lanzmann's films — and does so perhaps even more discerningly than much written criticism does.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instigates" when you want to emphasize the initiation of an action or event, often with the connotation of being the driving force behind it. For example, "The new policy instigates several changes in the company's structure."

Common error

While "instigates" is a valid word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "initiates", "triggers", or "prompts" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "instigates" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. It indicates that a subject causes or initiates an action or event. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies setting something in motion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instigates" is a grammatically sound verb, commonly used to describe the act of initiating or provoking an action. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in English. Its frequency is very common, appearing often in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While versatile, be mindful of overusing it and consider synonyms like "provokes" or "initiates" to enrich your writing. Remember that the term implies a sense of initiation or causation in a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provokes

Emphasizes a strong reaction or feeling as a result.

triggers

Highlights a cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting a specific event sets off another.

initiates

Focuses on the beginning or start of an action or process.

incites

Implies encouraging or stirring up negative or violent behavior.

sparks

Suggests a sudden and often unexpected start.

prompts

Indicates gently encouraging or causing someone to do something.

foments

Implies stirring up trouble or discord.

engenders

Focuses on producing or causing a feeling, situation, or condition.

generates

Highlights the creation or production of something.

activates

Implies making something active or operational.

FAQs

What does "instigates" mean?

"Instigates" means to initiate or provoke an action or event, often suggesting a causal relationship or being the driving force behind something.

How can I use "instigates" in a sentence?

You can use "instigates" in a sentence like this: "The new law "instigates" several changes in the healthcare system."

What are some alternatives to using "instigates"?

Alternatives to "instigates" include "provokes", "initiates", "triggers", or "prompts", depending on the specific context.

Is "instigates" formal or informal?

"Instigates" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. Consider your audience and choose synonyms if a more casual tone is desired.