making a scene

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a scene" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is behaving in a dramatic or disruptive manner, often in public, to attract attention or express strong emotions. Example: "She was so upset about the decision that she started making a scene in the restaurant, drawing the attention of everyone around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She enjoys making a scene.

The New Yorker

"Making a scene would be too embarrassing".

The New York Times

Concerned about making a scene & what if I was wrong?

The New York Times

But where does making a scene cross the line?

The New York Times - Sports

The crazy woman is not shy about making a scene.

The New York Times - Style

I considered yelling and making a scene, but I didn't.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Mother, are you making a scene?" Ignatius asked irritably.

The Guardian - Books

"I just do a better job now of not making a scene as much.

The New York Times - Sports

She speaks very nicely but it is clear I am dangerously close to making a scene.

The Guardian

Can you imagine anyone from Maine actually making a scene like that?

The New York Times

That is why we speak of "making a scene," the phrase telling of both unfeigned outrage and calculated conceit.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using the phrase "making a scene". While it can effectively convey a sense of disruption and drama, be mindful of potential negative connotations and choose alternative phrasings if a more neutral or positive tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "making a scene" excessively in formal or professional contexts. While acceptable in news and media, it may sound too informal or colloquial for academic papers or business reports. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "creating a disturbance" or "drawing undue attention" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a scene" functions primarily as a verbal phrase describing an action. It typically acts as the predicate or part of the predicate in a sentence, indicating what someone is doing. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a valid and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making a scene" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes disruptive or dramatic behavior, often in public. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable to use in written English. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it's essential to be aware of its negative connotations and consider alternative phrasings for formal writing. Remember to avoid overuse and maintain a professional tone by opting for alternatives like "creating a disturbance" or "drawing undue attention" when appropriate. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase effectively conveys disapproval of someone's actions and is widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causing a disturbance

Focuses on the disruptive aspect, rather than the intentional drawing of attention.

creating a commotion

Highlights the noisy and chaotic nature of the event.

kicking up a fuss

Implies a more petty or trivial cause for the disruption.

raising a ruckus

Emphasizes the loud and boisterous quality of the disturbance.

causing an uproar

Suggests a widespread and intense reaction to something.

putting on an act

Highlights the insincerity and performative aspect of the behavior.

staging a drama

Focuses on the theatrical and exaggerated nature of the display.

acting out

Implies an emotional or psychological cause for the behavior.

drawing attention

Centers on the act of attracting notice, without necessarily implying negativity.

creating a spectacle

Highlights the public and attention-grabbing nature of the event, sometimes with a sense of disapproval.

FAQs

What does "making a scene" mean?

The phrase "making a scene" refers to behaving in a dramatic or disruptive way, often in public, to attract attention or express strong emotions.

What can I say instead of "making a scene"?

You can use alternatives like "causing a disturbance", "creating a commotion", or "kicking up a fuss" depending on the context.

Is "making a scene" grammatically correct?

Yes, "making a scene" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "making a scene"?

It's appropriate to use "making a scene" when you want to describe someone's behavior as being overly dramatic, disruptive, and attention-seeking, particularly in a public setting. Be mindful of the context and audience as it can carry a negative connotation.