provocative things

USAGE SUMMARY

'provocative things' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe things that are likely to provoke a strong reaction or response, such as a heated argument or emotional outburst. For example, "He said some very provocative things, which caused an argument between the two of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Some of us said some provocative things, and the tear gas started".

The New York Times

This interdependency does provocative things to the relation of fiction to reality.

The New Yorker

On their last Fringe appearance, in 2001, Noble and Silver had provocative things to say about communication and misinformation.

The Guardian

It's both a strength and a weakness: he has interesting and provocative things to say, but often an arch delivery.

The New York Times - Arts

Theroux says interesting and provocative things about poverty and charity, and about Calcutta and Mrs. Unger, which Delfont runs through the prism of his own jealous suspicion.

The New York Times - Books

Because you can be a cable television darling by saying provocative things, but you can't be president of the United States".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It was a provocative thing to say; only about eight square inches of Lycra stand between the women and nakedness.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps the most provocative thing in "To America With Love" is Mr. Gill's European take on our history of immigration.

The New York Times - Books

It was a very provocative thing to do at the time, showing a finger to the South African authorities".

The Guardian

Every time you hear that sort of pointlessly provocative thing, from Trump or another candidate, the tyranny of the calendar emerges.

The New Yorker

Perhaps the most provocative thing Mr. Kramer wrote for The Times was "The Blacklist and the Cold War," a 1976 article that appeared on the front page of the Arts & Leisure section.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provocative things" when you want to describe statements, actions, or ideas that are intended to stimulate a strong reaction, debate, or critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "provocative things" as a generic substitute for specific, nuanced descriptions. Always clarify the exact nature of the statements or actions to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provocative things" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "provocative" modifies the noun "things". This phrase describes actions, statements, or ideas that are intended to evoke a reaction or response. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provocative things" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe statements, actions, or ideas designed to elicit a reaction. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academic discussions, and general discourse. While it can denote negativity, it also implies the intent to stimulate thought and challenge norms. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and common use, suggesting writers employ it thoughtfully to convey specific intentions effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provocative ideas

Swaps 'things' with 'ideas', focusing on thought and creativity instead of action or object.

controversial statements

Highlights the debatable nature of the assertions, suggesting disagreement or public debate.

inflammatory remarks

Focuses on the verbal aspect, emphasizing the potential to incite anger or strong negative feelings.

debatable points

Highlights aspects that could be called into question or argued about.

contentious issues

Shifts the focus to problematic or disputed matters, often involving conflicting viewpoints.

challenging notions

Emphasizes that something forces you to make great mental or physical effort in order to do it successfully.

divisive actions

Emphasizes the capacity to create separation or discord among people or groups.

intriguing concepts

Shifts the focus to captivating or fascinating ideas, often with an element of mystery or novelty.

stimulating ideas

Highlights the capacity to evoke interest, enthusiasm or heightened mental activity.

risky propositions

Emphasizes the potential for undesirable outcomes or negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "provocative things" to describe statements, actions, or ideas designed to evoke a strong reaction or response. For instance, "The speaker said some "provocative things" that stirred up a heated debate among the audience members".

What's a less formal way to say "provocative things"?

In a less formal setting, you might use phrases like "controversial stuff" or "things that stir the pot" to convey a similar meaning as "provocative things".

Are "provocative things" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "provocative things" can refer to statements or actions that cause offense or disagreement, they can also stimulate thought, encourage critical analysis, or challenge existing norms in a positive way.

What are some examples of situations where someone might say "provocative things"?

People might say "provocative things" during a debate to challenge an opponent's argument, in art to evoke an emotional response, or in social commentary to raise awareness about societal issues. It really depends on the context and intention.