provoke feelings

USAGE SUMMARY

"provoke feelings" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's reaction to something, such as a movie, book, or experience. For example, you could say, "The movie was so moving that it provoked strong feelings in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Obese diabetic patients, especially women, feel their physicians provoke feelings of being stuck, defiance, guilt or shame [ 12].

BMC Family Practice

Developmental and clinical psychologist Diane Ehrensaft, PhD., notes that transgender youth often struggle during the onset of puberty, where unwelcome physical changes can provoke feelings of entrapment in a gender that just doesn't feel right.

Huffington Post

But at least I provoke feelings!

The Guardian - Arts

For many, airplanes, skyscrapers and even elevators provoke feelings of fear.

The New York Times

Looking back on how much I used to care and manage never fails to provoke feelings of guilt.

Independent

It's not unusual for people seeing a counsellor to talk about painful things and, as you'd expect, many people find that those conversations can provoke feelings of sadness and anger.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Some are functional words such as kitchen, pencil, walking, and so forth, which don't create much resonance with you, but some very selective words can provoke feeling.

WikiHow

Harrison was pathetic, in the sense of provoking feelings of pity.

The Guardian - Sport

So public health information may be shared more if it provokes feelings of anxiety rather than sadness.

The Guardian

"Clowning provokes feelings of empathy among both the participants and the audience," explains Diana Calvo, co-founder of Outa Hamra.

The Guardian

It is probably a measure of Manchester City's increased expectations that this is the kind of result that now provokes feelings of disappointment for the new regime.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provoke feelings" when you want to emphasize that something causes a specific emotional response in someone. Be mindful of the intensity of the emotion you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "provoke feelings" for situations where the emotional response is mild or subtle. Opt for words like "suggest", "hint at", or "imply" if the emotional impact is not strong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke feelings" acts as a verb phrase followed by a noun. According to Ludwig AI, this combination describes the act of causing or eliciting certain emotions. It is generally used to indicate that something specific is triggering an emotional response in someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provoke feelings" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies causing or eliciting an emotional response. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When writing, consider alternative phrases such as "arouse emotions" or "stir emotions" to add variety to your writing. Be mindful of the intensity of the emotional response you're describing, and avoid overusing the phrase for mild emotional reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arouse emotions

Focuses on stimulating or awakening emotions, suggesting a more intense effect.

stir emotions

Implies a gentle or subtle instigation of feelings, rather than a forceful provocation.

elicit emotions

Highlights the act of drawing out or evoking emotions from someone.

trigger emotions

Emphasizes a stimulus-response dynamic, where something automatically activates feelings.

evoke feelings

Suggests a bringing forth or calling up of feelings, often from memory or association.

generate emotions

Focuses on the creation or production of feelings.

instigate emotions

Suggests initiating or setting emotions in motion, often with a deliberate intent.

ignite feelings

Implies a sudden and intense sparking of emotions.

foster emotions

Focuses on nurturing or encouraging the development of feelings over time.

induce emotions

Highlights the action of influencing or persuading someone to experience certain feelings.

FAQs

What does "provoke feelings" mean?

"Provoke feelings" means to cause or trigger certain emotions in someone, often implying a strong reaction. It suggests that something is the direct cause of an emotional response.

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

You can use "provoke feelings" in a sentence like this: "The movie's ending provoked feelings of sadness and nostalgia in the audience."

What are some alternatives to "provoke feelings"?

Alternatives to "provoke feelings" include "arouse emotions", "stir emotions", or "elicit emotions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "provoke feelings" formal or informal?

"Provoke feelings" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The specific tone will depend more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.