provoke a response

USAGE SUMMARY

"provoke a response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something has caused a reaction from someone. For example, "His comment provoked a strong response from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was further the intention to investigate whether the expected hypocalcaemia would provoke a response from the mechanisms responsible for calcium homeostasis.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Other marches are clearly intended to provoke a response.

The New York Times

How much more action must Russia take to provoke a response?

The Washington Post

Because the detergent did not provoke a response by the immune system, Dr. Davis investigated further.

The New York Times - Health

Such a move could provoke a response from Nato and the US.

The Guardian

He also often used shocking or disturbing imagery to provoke a response in the viewer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It would certainly provoke a response from China, with a trade war drawing in other countries a likely possibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

The producers of Benefits Street have adeptly edited their film in order to provoke a response from its intended audience.

The Guardian - Opinion

They did not want to provoke a response that might exacerbate a simmering European crisis of confidence and cohesion.

The Guardian - Opinion

This provided a powerful response to the SIOE who had come waving Israeli flags in order to provoke a response.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest on said Thursday that "actors are oftentimes seeking to provoke a response from the United States of America.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provoke a response" when you want to emphasize that an action or statement is intended to cause a reaction, often emotional or behavioral, from someone.

Common error

While "provoke a response" is acceptable in many situations, consider using more formal alternatives like "elicit a reaction" or "generate a response" in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke a response" functions as a verb phrase, where 'provoke' acts as a transitive verb requiring an object ('a response'). It describes the act of instigating or triggering a reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provoke a response" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe the act of intentionally eliciting a reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usability in written English is high. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various situations, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intention of causing a specific reaction, avoiding overuse in overtly formal scenarios where alternatives such as elicit or generate may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit a reaction

Focuses on getting any reaction, without specifying its nature or intensity. Slightly more formal.

trigger a reaction

Suggests a more immediate and possibly involuntary response.

instigate a reaction

Implies actively starting or stirring up a response, often with negative connotations.

generate a response

Highlights the creation or production of a response.

invite a response

Suggests a more open and welcoming approach to receiving a reaction.

prompt a reaction

Implies gently encouraging or urging a response.

spark a reaction

Emphasizes a sudden and energetic onset of a response.

solicit a response

Suggests a direct and explicit request for a reaction.

draw a response

Implies gently extracting or attracting a reaction.

incite a reaction

Implies a forceful and often negative stimulus leading to a response.

FAQs

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

You can use "provoke a response" to describe an action intended to cause a reaction. For example, "The politician's controversial statement was intended to "provoke a response" from the public".

What can I say instead of "provoke a response"?

You can use alternatives like "elicit a reaction", "trigger a reaction", or "instigate a reaction" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "provoke a response" or "evoke a response"?

Both "provoke a response" and "evoke a response" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Provoke" suggests causing a deliberate reaction, while "evoke" means to bring a feeling or memory to mind.

What's the difference between "provoke a response" and "invite a response"?

"Provoke a response" implies a more forceful or intentional action to cause a reaction, while "invite a response" suggests creating an opportunity or encouraging someone to react.