invoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "invoke" is correct and usable in written English.
It is primarily used as a verb meaning to call upon, to make use of, or to cite. For example, "The senator invoked his constitutional rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The search will invoke mini black holes, antimatter, quark-gluon plasma, and extra dimensions of space.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was a get-out clause, which no one expected to invoke, substituting Douglas for Tyson.

The Guardian - Sport

A lull to kick the season off would invoke memories of 2013, a season most in San Jose want to put behind them.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather than trying to invoke sympathy, we tried to show how the athletes are normal people but also extraordinary".

The Guardian

In Maori the country's full name, Aotearoa, is a lovely kind of oxymoron: it translates as "the land of the long white cloud", as if clouds were properties of the earth, or served in some strange way to invoke it.

The Guardian - Books

"The failure to comprehensively document and investigate deaths of asylum-seekers at sea or in immigration custody while other fatal incidents invoke large-scale and international ad hoc responses, as in the case of missing flight MH370, suggests that certain lives effectively count for more than others, both at a domestic level and within the international community".

The Guardian

My own ambivalence has a source different from the glory and shame of the union, which some Yes and No partisans atavistically invoke.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Australia, a Labor government could not invoke nostalgia in quite the same way (not least because the 50s were seen to belong to Menzies and the Liberal party, as John Howard later showed).

The Guardian - Opinion

Why invoke the system's virtues when its supposed beneficiaries are in the middle of an unprecedented revolt?

The Guardian

If there is fear you invoke fear, if you are a party person you are invited to parties.

The Guardian - Film

Like millions of Muslims, they claimed Page 3 caused them offence – a "claim" which in English law nowadays is sufficient reason to invoke curbs on freedom of speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "invoke", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being called upon or brought into effect. Precise language enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "invoke" too frequently in formal writing. Over-reliance on this term can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, consider using synonyms like "implement", "cite", or "enforce" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "invoke" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being called upon, brought about, or cited. For example, Ludwig showcases sentences where laws, amendments, memories, and emotions are the direct objects of "invoke".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "invoke" functions primarily as a transitive verb, commonly found in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. It signifies calling upon something formally, enacting a provision, or bringing about a specific result. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across diverse sources. While its register leans toward neutral to formal, ensuring clarity by specifying the object being "invoked" is crucial. Remember to avoid overuse in formal writing; synonyms like "implement", "cite", or "enforce" can add variety. According to the data retrieved by Ludwig, authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ "invoke".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call upon

This alternative focuses on requesting aid or assistance from a higher power or authority.

call into action

This alternative highlights the activation or triggering of a process or ability.

bring about

This alternative emphasizes causing something to happen or initiating an event.

set in motion

This alternative emphasizes the initiation of a series of events or actions.

cite

This alternative refers specifically to quoting or referencing an authority or source.

draw on

This alternative suggests utilizing a resource or drawing inspiration from a particular source.

implement

This alternative means to put a plan or system into effect, emphasizing practical application.

enforce

This alternative stresses the application of a rule or law, ensuring compliance.

resort to

This alternative implies using something as a last option or in a difficult situation.

have recourse to

Similar to "resort to", this alternative indicates turning to something for help or resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "invoke" in a sentence?

You can use "invoke" to mean to call upon something, like "The lawyer decided to "invoke" the Fifth Amendment", or to bring something about, as in "The new policy is intended to "invoke" positive change".

What can I say instead of "invoke"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "invoke" include "cite", "implement", "enforce", or "call upon".

Is it correct to say "invoke a memory"?

Yes, it is correct. "Invoke" can be used to describe bringing a memory or feeling to mind, such as "The old photograph "invoked" a sense of nostalgia".

What is the difference between "invoke" and "evoke"?

"Invoke" often implies calling upon something intentionally, while "evoke" suggests bringing something to mind more subtly or unintentionally. You might "invoke" a law, but an image might "evoke" a feeling.