make a commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a commotion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a lot of noise or disturbance, often caused by a group of people. Example: "The children began to make a commotion in the playground, drawing the attention of nearby parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Tagging hedges in the Hamptons was "a joke, a way to make a commotion," he said.

The New York Times

She recalls her pointed threat to make a commotion over the cancellation, to get the word out there.

The New York Times

The setup is this: Cops place nice cars in clear public view with keys in the ignition, make a commotion to draw people's attention, and then wait for someone to take the "bait". Once the car is stolen, the police lock the doors and windows while viewers are treated to the panicked driver's vain attempts to escape.

HuffPost

If someone has a key or picks the lock, the rubber wedge will give you enough time to make a commotion and call for help.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The fans made a commotion over Woods, who held his index finger to his lips so Mickelson could putt.

The New York Times - Sports

Whoever was inside wasn't just ignoring police orders, they were making a commotion as they presumably plotted an escape.

The Washington Post

The salmon went through their whole repertory of leaping, thrashing, making a commotion, head shaking, leaping some more, rushing away each time they saw the net.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2002, fans made a commotion when Axl Rose did not show up for a Guns N' Roses concert, rioting after a Rolling Stones concert in 1972 and so on going back through the years.

The New York Times

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the second-longest serving senator, said what's unprecedented is the "insolence" from the liberal protesters who were disrupting the hearing and the Democrats on the dais who were making a commotion.

The Washington Post

"He started making a commotion," his son recalled, "saying, 'I can't believe it, there's an insect problem here, they're all over the sweaters.' " VINCENT A. PRINCIOTTA The Essence of Cool First there was the blue van with the surfboard strapped to the roof.

The New York Times

He doesn't make a big commotion, just goes about his tennis in a business-like way.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a commotion" when you want to describe a noisy or disruptive situation that draws attention.

Common error

Avoid using "make a commotion" in contexts where a more subtle or formal term like "cause a stir" or "create a disturbance" would be more appropriate. The phrase suggests a significant and often disruptive event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a commotion" functions as a verb phrase, where "make" is the main verb and "a commotion" is its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a commotion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes causing a noisy or disruptive disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While versatile, it is generally neutral in tone and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, wiki, and academic settings. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as phrases like "cause a stir" or "create a disturbance" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause a stir

Implies a more subtle disruption or excitement than "make a commotion".

create a disturbance

Suggests a more formal or negative disruption of peace.

raise a ruckus

Indicates a noisy and disorderly disturbance.

create a scene

Implies a public display of emotion or conflict.

kick up a fuss

Emphasizes complaining or protesting loudly.

cause a fuss

Emphasizes unnecessary concern or annoyance.

cause an uproar

Implies a widespread and intense public reaction.

make an ado

Highlights excessive activity or talk in dealing with something.

generate excitement

Focuses on creating positive interest or enthusiasm.

attract attention

Highlights the act of gaining notice or interest.

FAQs

How can I use "make a commotion" in a sentence?

You can use "make a commotion" to describe a situation where someone or something is causing a noisy disturbance. For example, "The fans started to make a commotion when their team won the game."

What can I say instead of "make a commotion"?

You can use alternatives like "cause a stir", "create a disturbance", or "raise a ruckus" depending on the context.

Is "make a commotion" formal or informal?

"Make a commotion" is generally considered an informal phrase. In more formal settings, it's better to use alternatives like "create a disturbance" or "cause a stir".

What's the difference between "make a commotion" and "cause a scene"?

"Make a commotion" generally refers to a noisy disturbance, while "cause a scene" typically implies a public display of emotion or conflict. They are similar, but "cause a scene" has a stronger connotation of inappropriateness.