provoke complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoke complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or situations that are likely to lead to dissatisfaction or grievances from others. Example: "The sudden change in policy may provoke complaint among the employees who feel their voices are not being heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I draw up a list of the sort of things likely to provoke complaint, so that I can avoid them.

Independent

As late as the late 40's, he was considering the life of a monk, yet we never hear the argument over that -- just the settling for so many guys in a manner that would surely provoke complaint if this were a straight author telling us about all the women he had had and discarded.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Elliott Abrams, who was a State Department official in the Reagan administration when the Democratic and Republican groups were created, said it was expected that pro-democracy work might provoke complaints from the likes of Vladimir V. Putin of Russia or Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.

The New York Times

Worryingly for the corporation, the latest scandal a crude prank phone-call by two of its stars broadcast on radio has done more than provoke complaints of poor taste (though there have been more than 30,000 of those).

The Economist

The rules calling for faster disclosure of corporate financial reports will put more pressure on auditors to complete their assessments of companies and could provoke complaints that more time is needed.

The New York Times

The safest transactions, from the point of view of both issuing banks and acquiring banks, occur when the cardholder is physically present to swipe the card and sign the receipt and when the goods are inexpensive and unlikely to provoke complaints.

The New York Times

Its attempts to clean up the air of cities better catalytic converters, hybrid petrol/electric vehicles and, eventually, fuel-cell-powered electric cars running on hydrogen merely serve to provoke complaints that the result will be more globe-warming carbon dioxide.

The Economist

"Wouldn't it be better to address the question of subjects directly which ones, for how long and what to specify?" asks Alan Smithers, of Buckingham University.One answer is that making hard choices openly would provoke complaints that the curriculum was being dumbed down.

The Economist

These enterprises, whose sponsoring churches benefit from a variety of tax breaks and regulatory exemptions given to religious organizations in this country, sometimes provoke complaints from for-profit businesses with which they compete — as ChangePoint's new sports center has in Anchorage.

The New York Times

Additionally, the use of real animals in living nativity scenes has provoked complaint.

Wikipedia

Both campaigns provoked complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provoke complaint", ensure that the context clearly indicates what action or situation is causing the dissatisfaction. This helps to pinpoint the root of the problem and allows for more targeted solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "provoke complaint" when a milder term like "raise concern" or "prompt inquiry" would be more appropriate. Overstating the situation can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke complaint" functions as a verb phrase, where "provoke" is the verb indicating the action of causing or eliciting, and "complaint" is the noun representing the expression of dissatisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provoke complaint" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the action of causing or eliciting an expression of dissatisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, with more occasional use in business and wiki-based sources. When employing this phrase, consider the intensity of the situation and whether a more nuanced alternative might be better suited. Remember that clarity regarding the cause of the dissatisfaction is crucial. Using alternatives such as "trigger a grievance" or "elicit a protest" can provide more specific connotations. Ensuring appropriate usage prevents misinterpretations and strengthens your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trigger a grievance

Focuses on the action of initiating a formal expression of dissatisfaction.

elicit a protest

Highlights the action of drawing out or evoking an expression of objection or disapproval.

give rise to dissatisfaction

Emphasizes the creation of a feeling of discontent as a consequence.

generate disapproval

Focuses on the creation or production of negative feedback.

invite criticism

Emphasizes the characteristic of something to call forth criticism.

spark objections

Highlights the act of igniting or setting off an expression of disagreement.

lead to grievances

Focuses on the consequence of causing feelings of resentment or injustice.

foster discontent

Emphasizes the action of encouraging or promoting a feeling of unhappiness.

cause remonstrance

Stresses the act of causing a formal expression of protest or disapproval.

prompt remonstrations

Highlights the act of inciting or encouraging formal expressions of protest.

FAQs

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

You can use "provoke complaint" to describe actions or situations that are likely to cause someone to express dissatisfaction or grievance. For example, "The new policy changes are likely to "provoke complaint" among employees".

What are some alternatives to "provoke complaint"?

Alternatives include "trigger a grievance", "elicit a protest", or "give rise to dissatisfaction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "provoke complaint" formal or informal?

"Provoke complaint" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though the specific situation will dictate whether a more nuanced alternative might be preferable.

What's the difference between "provoke complaint" and "raise a concern"?

"Provoke complaint" suggests a stronger reaction of dissatisfaction, while "raise a concern" implies a milder expression of worry or doubt. Thus, actions are more likely to "provoke complaint", whereas individuals might "raise a concern".