provoke a response from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoke a response from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or statements that are intended to elicit a reaction or reply from someone. Example: "The controversial article was designed to provoke a response from the readers, sparking a heated debate in the comments section."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 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

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

Any military retaliation could provoke a response from a country with the capacity to strike Seoul and a mercurial leader who has proved to be violent and unpredictable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

That provoked a response from a woman called Elizabeth who worked in some capacity for Number 10.

The Guardian

Also playing a potential role are the problems in the eurozone, with any contagion from the region seen provoking a response from the Fed.

The Washington Post

(He was, by his account, 5 feet 9 inches tall and 135 pounds). One taunted him as "an average looking manlet," provoking a response from Mr. Rodger.

The New York Times

Journalists have campaigned to improve maternal health and drug provision in the area and this has provoked a response from Amref staff.

The Guardian

By doing so, the network injected the reporter's opinions publicly, and the widely replayed video clip even provoked a response from the White House the next day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provoke a response from", ensure that the action or statement is likely to elicit a clear and direct reaction. Consider the audience and the potential impact of your words or actions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that every attempt to "provoke a response from" will be successful. Sometimes, actions or statements may be ignored or misinterpreted, leading to no reaction at all. Ensure your approach is appropriate for the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke a response from" functions as a verb phrase that describes an action intended to cause a reaction or reply from someone or something. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts such as political actions, scientific studies, and social interactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provoke a response from" is a versatile expression used to describe actions or statements that aim to elicit a reaction. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts, alongside science-related articles. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the intent and potential impact, as the response can range from positive to negative. Alternatives like "elicit a reaction from" or "stimulate a reply from" can offer different nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit a reaction from

Focuses more on drawing out a reaction, without necessarily implying a deliberate attempt to cause it.

stimulate a reply from

Emphasizes encouraging a response, often in the form of a spoken or written answer.

trigger a reaction in

Suggests a more automatic or involuntary response, often in a biological or psychological context.

prompt a reaction by

Implies causing a reaction quickly or immediately.

generate a reply by

Highlights the creation or production of a response, often implying a more complex or considered answer.

invite a reaction from

Suggests an action that makes a response more likely or welcome, but not necessarily guaranteed.

call forth a response from

Implies a formal or deliberate attempt to evoke a response, often from a group or organization.

draw a reaction from

Focuses on extracting or obtaining a response, sometimes implying a difficult or reluctant source.

induce a reaction within

Suggests causing a reaction, often within a system or organism, through external influence.

encourage a response from

Emphasizes support and facilitation of a response, rather than directly causing it.

FAQs

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

You can use "provoke a response from" to describe actions or statements intended to elicit a reaction or reply from someone. For example, "The controversial article was designed to provoke a response from the readers".

What are some alternatives to "provoke a response from"?

You can use alternatives like "elicit a reaction from", "stimulate a reply from", or "trigger a reaction in" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "provoke a response from" someone?

Not necessarily. While "provoke" can sometimes imply a negative or aggressive intent, it can also mean simply to incite or stimulate a response, which can be positive or neutral depending on the situation and the nature of the response.

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

"Provoke a response from" often implies a more deliberate or even confrontational attempt to get someone to react, while "elicit a response from" suggests a gentler, more passive drawing out of a reaction.