provocative statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provocative statement" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a statement or remark that is intentionally designed to elicit a strong emotional response from the listener or reader. Here is an example of how it could be used: "The politician's speech was full of provocative statements that stirred up controversy and debate among the audience." In this sentence, "provocative statements" refers to the bold and controversial statements made by the politician. Other examples of when this phrase could be used include: - "The author's book is full of provocative statements challenging societal norms." - "Her latest article includes several provocative statements about the current state of politics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a provocative statement?

The Guardian

I find Mr. Stern's the more provocative statement, because it is made on behalf of freedom.

The New York Times - Arts

It was, as Mehdi Hasan and James Macintyre note, a provocative statement.

The Guardian - Books

It was the kind of provocative statement that might unsettle Fury.

The Guardian - Sport

The execution of Iran's Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr on 2 January was a provocative statement of intent.

Independent

He'd throw out a provocative statement, and then reverse one hundred eighty degrees and throw out another one.

The New Yorker

Moholy-Nagy, ever questioning, observed that in the US, "the provocative statement is constantly annulled by chequebook and cocktail party.

The Guardian - Arts

In a provocative statement two weeks ago, he said, "The new market structure is broken and must be discarded".

The New York Times

It's a provocative statement, typical of Louis-Ferdinand Destouches, who used the nom de plume of Céline.

The Guardian - Books

The comedian David Cross, a guest, made a provocative statement in pants festooned with whales (irony or back from Nantucket?).

The New York Times

It was a provocative statement, given that some of those in the room run the madrassas of which he spoke.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provocative statement" when you want to emphasize that a statement is intentionally designed to elicit a reaction, whether positive or negative. Be mindful of the audience and the potential impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "provocative statement" when a simpler term like "controversial remark" or "bold claim" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provocative statement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'provocative' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'statement'. It identifies a particular type of statement designed to elicit a reaction. Ludwig provides many examples of its usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provocative statement" is a frequently used phrase that describes a remark intentionally designed to elicit a strong emotional response. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across various reliable sources. While grammatically sound, writers should consider the context and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "controversial remark" or "inflammatory declaration" may be more suitable depending on the desired emphasis. This phrase is mostly used in News & Media contexts. The phrase is designed to challenge or question a norm. Overall, "provocative statement" is a powerful tool for highlighting potentially controversial or stimulating assertions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provocative assertion

Replaces 'statement' with 'assertion', lending a slightly more formal tone.

controversial remark

Replaces 'statement' with 'remark', emphasizing the spoken nature and potential disagreement.

controversial pronouncement

Highlights the potential for widespread disagreement or opposition.

inflammatory declaration

Substitutes 'provocative' with 'inflammatory' and 'statement' with 'declaration', highlighting the potential to incite strong emotions.

contentious assertion

Replaces 'provocative' with 'contentious' and 'statement' with 'assertion', focusing on the disputable nature of the statement.

challenging claim

Emphasizes the act of questioning or disagreeing with established norms.

bold declaration

Emphasizes the confidence and directness of the statement.

debatable pronouncement

Highlights the statement's open invitation to discussion and potential disagreement.

outrageous comment

Replaces 'statement' with 'comment' and emphasizes the potential for shock or offense.

stimulating remark

Focuses on the thought-provoking aspect of the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "provocative statement" in a sentence?

You can use "provocative statement" to describe a remark intended to cause a reaction or debate. For instance, "The politician's "provocative statement" sparked a heated discussion".

What can I say instead of "provocative statement"?

You can use alternatives like "controversial remark", "inflammatory declaration", or "contentious assertion" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "provocative statement" or "controversial statement"?

While both phrases are similar, "provocative statement" emphasizes the intent to elicit a response, while "controversial statement" simply highlights that the statement is likely to cause disagreement. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

What makes a statement "provocative"?

A statement is considered "provocative" when it is intentionally designed to challenge existing beliefs, norms, or values, with the goal of stimulating thought, discussion, or even strong disagreement.