it can provoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can provoke" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential to incite a reaction or response from someone or something. Example: "The controversial article can provoke strong opinions among readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

And with its cagey score, grinning and mordant in a Kurt Weill mode; its boisterous choreography and a cast that is thoroughly committed to straight-faced silliness, the show is so intelligently calibrated in its audacity that it can provoke enthusiasm even in those weary of musicals about musicals (2 10).

The New York Times

At its most successful it can provoke lasting change in a community that is empowered by the knowledge that its concerns are valid and its people's voices can be heard.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The purpose of this study is to review the prevalence of aspirin resistance in patients with a high risk of cardiovascular events, and secondly, to investigate its epidemiology and mechanism of action, and the clinical consequences it can provoke.

Farmacia Hospitalaria

But like anything political, it can provoke fierce debate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it can ask questions, it can provoke, it can remind us.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can provoke bile and I try and avoid negativity as much as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It certainly can provoke the same frenzied preparations, the choice of a simple, white percale dress, a special hairdo.

Huffington Post

Stopping it precipitously can provoke a manic episode (50% of patients will develop such an episode within three months after coming off the medicine).

Los Angeles Times

Trapping an animal (or its nest) inside can provoke it to chew its way back out — or in.

Cornell University

This will keep it interesting, and can provoke certain desired emotions.

WikiHow

Since you probably have no interest in doing that, it's important to avoid making eye contact with the dog, which can provoke it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can provoke", ensure the subject (the 'it') is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Specify what kind of reaction or response is likely to be provoked for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it can provoke" without specifying the likely outcome. Saying 'this policy can provoke' is vague; instead, state 'this policy can provoke public outrage' for a more impactful and informative sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can provoke" functions as a verb phrase expressing the potential of something to cause or trigger a specific reaction or feeling. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can provoke" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the potential of something to elicit a reaction, often emotional or behavioral. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and business. While synonyms like "it may trigger" or "it could incite" offer subtle differences in meaning, "it can provoke" remains a versatile and reliable choice. Remember to specify what is being provoked to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may trigger

Replaces 'provoke' with 'trigger', implying a more immediate or automatic reaction.

it could incite

Substitutes 'provoke' with 'incite', suggesting a stronger, more deliberate encouragement of a response.

it might spark

Uses 'spark' instead of 'provoke', implying a sudden and energetic reaction.

it can generate

Replaces 'provoke' with 'generate', focusing on the creation or production of a response.

it may foster

Uses 'foster' instead of 'provoke', suggesting a nurturing or encouraging of a particular outcome.

it could stimulate

Substitutes 'provoke' with 'stimulate', implying an encouragement of activity or development.

it might elicit

Uses 'elicit' in place of 'provoke', focusing on drawing out a response that is already present.

it can instigate

Replaces 'provoke' with 'instigate', suggesting the initiation of an action or event.

it may give rise to

Substitutes 'provoke' with 'give rise to', implying a more indirect or causal relationship.

it could set off

Uses 'set off' instead of 'provoke', implying a chain reaction or sequence of events.

FAQs

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

Use "it can provoke" when you want to indicate that something has the potential to cause or trigger a specific reaction or response. For example, "The new policy can provoke strong opposition".

What are some alternatives to "it can provoke"?

You can use alternatives like "it may trigger", "it could incite", or "it might spark" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it can provoke" or "it provokes"?

"It can provoke" suggests a potential outcome, while "it provokes" implies a more consistent or definite result. The choice depends on whether you're describing a possibility or a certainty.

What's the difference between "it can provoke" and "it can cause"?

"It can provoke" suggests a reaction, often emotional or behavioral, while "it can cause" is a broader term indicating any kind of effect or consequence. For example, "it can provoke anger" versus "it can cause damage".