provoke fury

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoke fury" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing actions or statements that incite anger or strong emotional reactions in others. Example: "His reckless comments during the meeting were enough to provoke fury among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Such reports provoke fury but after some time, even the righteously indignant can tire and accept the outrageous as status quo.

The New York Times

Although the pile of research has grown over the last three decades, the capacity of the subject to provoke fury and unease has not waned.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They will provoke fury in Conservative ranks, particularly among rightwing Tories who already resent the Lib Dems' presence in the coalition and their influence over policy.

The Guardian

However, any move to break the historic link between inflation and welfare payments is likely to provoke fury among charities representing vulnerable groups.

The Guardian

Mr. Duvalier's remarks, in which he also asked for "forgiveness from the people," together with the nostalgia one hears on the streets of Port-au-Prince, the capital, these days provoke fury among present-day leaders.

The New York Times

The announcement is likely to provoke fury among public sector unions just days after it was announced that MPs would see an automatic rise of 1.5% in their pay.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The move has provoked fury within the SAS.

Independent

Mr Bush cannot appoint her to anything without provoking fury.

The Economist

Such plain speaking provoked fury among leading Brexiters.

The Guardian

That has provoked fury among the poor and among environmentalists.The ban appears unjust.

The Economist

But the sudden reappearance of language used under Section 28 provoked fury among gay rights activists.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provoke fury" when you want to emphasize the immediate and intense anger resulting from a specific action or statement. Be mindful of the audience and context, as this phrase can be quite strong.

Common error

Avoid using "provoke fury" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "generate concern" or "raise questions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke fury" functions as a verb phrase, where "provoke" is a transitive verb and "fury" is its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It signifies the action of causing or inciting intense anger or rage in someone or a group of people, demonstrating how certain actions or words can trigger strong emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provoke fury" is a grammatically sound and usable expression meaning to incite intense anger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is primarily used in News & Media contexts to describe actions or statements that cause strong negative reactions. While uncommon, it's a powerful phrase to emphasize the intensity of anger. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "generate concern" or "raise questions". To use this phrase effectively, ensure the context warrants the strength of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Incite rage

Focuses on the action of stirring up intense anger.

Arouse indignation

Emphasizes a feeling of righteous anger or outrage.

вызвать гнев (vyzvat' gnev)

Russian translation of provoke fury - translation is useful in multilingual context.

Spark outrage

Highlights the immediate and widespread nature of the anger.

Fuel resentment

Suggests a gradual buildup of anger and bitterness.

Exasperate anger

Similar to 'provoke', but emphasizes the intensification of existing anger.

Trigger wrath

Implies a powerful and often violent reaction.

Give offense

More general term referring to causing displeasure or hurt feelings.

Stir up animosity

Focuses on creating a feeling of strong dislike or hostility.

Cause great anger

A more literal and straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "provoke fury" to describe actions or statements that cause intense anger, such as: "The politician's insensitive remarks "provoked fury" among the affected community".

What are some alternatives to "provoke fury"?

Alternatives include "incite rage", "arouse indignation", or "spark outrage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "provoke a fury" instead of "provoke fury"?

While grammatically understandable, "provoke fury" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Provoke a fury" is less frequently used and may sound slightly awkward to native English speakers.

What kind of situations typically "provoke fury"?

Situations that often "provoke fury" include injustices, betrayals, insensitive remarks, or actions that are perceived as deeply unfair or harmful to a particular group of people.