provoke difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoke difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or situations that lead to challenges or complications. Example: "The new policy changes may provoke difficulties for employees trying to adapt to the new procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, in case of maximum particles/immobilized biomass a whole embedded mass of particles-fungal mycelium was formed which provoked transfer difficulties and made no sense of the immobilization procedure as found in other similar studies (Vassilev et al. 1997).

AMB Express

(wife) The decision that a close relative should go into a care home provoked considerable difficulties.

British Medical Journal

His relationship with his wife Ann, the former Lady Rothermere, was in difficulties, provoked in part by their unconcealed infidelities but also by the tendency of Ann's circle of literary friends, who included Evelyn Waugh, to look down on a mere writer of spy thrillers, their disdain almost certainly exacerbated by his commercial success.

The Guardian - Books

This provokes some mathematical difficulties which makes the study of such a problem particulary interesting.

Boundary Value Problems

This phenomenon provokes some mathematical difficulties, which make the study of such a class of problems particularly interesting.

Boundary Value Problems

The problem (1.1) is a nonlocal problem because of the appearance of the term ∫ R 3 | ∇ u | 2 d x which provokes some mathematical difficulties.

Boundary Value Problems

Kirchhoff-type problems are often referred to as being nonlocal because of the presence of the integral over the entire domain Ω, which provokes some mathematical difficulties.

Advances in Difference Equations

NO2 is a by-product of diesel engines and, along with particulates – tiny pieces of unburnt soot that penetrate the heart, brain and lungs – is strongly linked to provoking or exacerbating breathing difficulties in vulnerable people, including asthmatics and those with respiratory diseases.

Independent

It was previously known that glyphosate consumption in water above authorized limits may provoke kidney failure and reproductive difficulties [ 43].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

However, undertaking any sequential analysis within a frequentist framework provokes considerable theoretical and practical difficulties.

Contemporary Clinical Trials

Troubles in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, all provoking violence in 2000, posed difficulties to which there were no easy answers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provoke difficulties" when you want to emphasize that a specific action or situation directly leads to challenging or problematic outcomes. It's more forceful than simply "cause problems".

Common error

Avoid using "provoke difficulties" when a more neutral phrase like "cause challenges" would be more appropriate. "Provoke" carries a stronger connotation of intentionality or negativity, so ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke difficulties" functions as a verb phrase where "provoke" acts as a transitive verb taking "difficulties" as its direct object. This indicates an action that instigates or causes problems.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "provoke difficulties" is grammatically correct and understandable, it's relatively uncommon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes actions or situations that lead to challenges, but carries a slightly stronger connotation than simpler alternatives like "cause problems". The phrase's register is neutral to formal, making it suitable for various contexts where emphasizing the instigation of problems is desired. Because the phrase is relatively rare, more common alternatives should also be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause problems

Replaces "provoke" with the more general term "cause", making it a simpler alternative.

create challenges

Substitutes both words for more neutral terms, softening the negative connotation.

generate issues

Similar to "cause problems" but uses a slightly more formal vocabulary.

lead to complications

Focuses on the result of the action, highlighting the complexity that arises.

give rise to problems

A more verbose alternative to "cause problems", adding a touch of formality.

stir up trouble

An idiomatic expression that suggests intentional instigation of difficulties.

precipitate difficulties

A more formal and intense way to express causing difficulties, implying a sudden onset.

foster complications

Implies nurturing or encouraging the development of difficulties.

invite problems

Suggests that the action makes problems more likely or inevitable.

trigger complications

Focuses on initiating a chain of negative events leading to difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "provoke difficulties" to describe actions or situations that directly lead to challenges or problems. For example: "The new policy changes may "cause problems" for employees trying to adapt to the new procedures."

What can I say instead of "provoke difficulties"?

You can use alternatives like ""cause problems"", "create challenges", or "generate issues" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "provoke difficulties" or "cause difficulties"?

"Provoke difficulties" implies a more direct and perhaps intentional instigation of problems, while "cause difficulties" is more neutral. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended nuance.

What's the difference between "provoke difficulties" and "lead to complications"?

"Provoke difficulties" focuses on the action that initiates the problems, while "lead to complications" emphasizes the resulting complexity. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the cause or the effect.