provoke change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoke change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or initiatives that aim to bring about transformation or improvement in a situation, organization, or society. Example: "The new policy is designed to provoke change in the way we approach environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But even that might not be enough to provoke change.

The Washington Post

When you're trying to provoke change, it's a challenging line to walk".

The New York Times

"10 out of 10 to campaigners like Greenpeace for wanting to provoke change.

The Guardian

"In Canada, you might ask yourself who are the people who would step forward and try to provoke change.

The New York Times

Many analysts — Mr. Schiereck included — are waiting to see whether the stress tests, which regulators are conducting on 91 European banks, will be tough enough to provoke change.

The New York Times

Negotiations on a new international treaty to cut greenhouse gas emissions are currently stalled, and the IPCC chairman, Rajendra Pachauri, has said he hopes the report will provoke change.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

In particular, an important discrepancy is observed for the KOH activated materials, suggesting that this treatment may provoke changes of pore shape.

Electrochimica Acta

Variations of the internal magnetic field provoke changes of the magnetospheric field and also of the size of the magnetosphere.

Earth, Planets and Space

With these two components, independence between the software presentation layer and the processing logic implemented in the back-end is achieved and thus, any modification in the latter does not provoke changes in the front-end (GUI), and vice versa.

Journal of Cheminformatics

These substitutions provoke changes in the HA surface structure and charge, raising its solubility and increasing the ability of synthetic HA to be involved in a natural bone remodeling process.

Chemistry Central Journal

Biofuels as a creative alternative and a sustainable innovation may also provoke changes in existing relations of power over and contribute to address asymmetries and inequalities in agrifood and transport systems.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provoke change", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize a forceful initiation, "provoke change" is appropriate. If you prefer a gentler approach, consider "spur change" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "provoke change" in contexts where change happens passively or without clear instigation. Choose a verb that reflects the agency or cause of the change more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke change" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting on a noun. It describes the act of initiating or stimulating a transformation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is both correct and usable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provoke change" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the act of initiating or stimulating a transformation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, its impact can vary depending on the specific context and the intended outcome. When using "provoke change", consider alternative phrases like "spur change" or "trigger change" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. Remember to use this phrase where a direct and intentional influence on initiating a shift is apparent. By understanding the nuances of "provoke change" and its alternatives, you can effectively communicate your message and inspire action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spur change

Focuses on encouraging or stimulating change, implying a more gentle push.

trigger change

Emphasizes the initiation of change as a direct result of a specific action or event.

evoke change

Suggests that change is brought about by inspiring an emotional or intellectual response.

produce change

Focuses on the creation of change as an outcome or result.

wreak change

Implies a forceful and potentially disruptive initiation of change.

stir change

Highlights the act of instigating or arousing change.

incite change

Emphasizes the act of urging or persuading others to take action for change.

lead change

Focuses on guiding and directing a process of change.

foster change

Indicates nurturing and supporting the growth of change.

instigate change

Highlights initiating or setting change in motion.

FAQs

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

You can use "provoke change" to describe actions that initiate transformation. For instance, "The documentary aims to provoke change in public perception of the issue."

What's a more forceful alternative to "provoke change"?

If you want to emphasize a more assertive initiation of change, consider using "wreak change", which suggests a more disruptive and impactful process.

What's a gentler alternative to "provoke change"?

For a softer approach, you might use "spur change", which implies encouraging or stimulating change rather than directly causing it.

Is "provoke change" formal or informal?

"Provoke change" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "effect change" or "initiate change" for a more sophisticated tone.