provoked by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoked by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reaction or response that is triggered by a specific cause or stimulus. Example: "The protest was provoked by the recent changes in government policy that many citizens found unjust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was provoked by a crisis.

The Guardian

The conversation was provoked by an anniversary.

The New York Times

(They had been provoked by budget cuts).

The New Yorker

And the problems were provoked by himself.

The Guardian - Music

They've been provoked by the wiles of young girls.

Independent

Alas, a sinking feeling is provoked by Katrina.

Independent

Greece was embroiled in civil war provoked by Communists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sounds, including roars, may be provoked by any loud noise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Attacks against the occupiers were provoked by war.

The Guardian

Israelis, provoked by Palestinians, invade the West Bank.

The New York Times

Provoked by Cheever's art — and why else trouble his rest?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provoked by", ensure that the cause is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The reaction was provoked by something,' specify 'The reaction was provoked by the controversial statement'.

Common error

Avoid using "provoked by" for minor or insignificant causes. The phrase implies a significant reaction to a notable stimulus; using it for trivial matters can sound hyperbolic. For example, saying 'His mild curiosity was provoked by the advertisement' is an overstatement; 'piqued' or 'stimulated' would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoked by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the cause or stimulus behind an action, event, or feeling. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provoked by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate causation, particularly in contexts where a specific stimulus leads to a notable reaction. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, confirms its correct usage across diverse fields like news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral, its formality can shift depending on the context. For alternatives, consider phrases like ""triggered by"" or "caused by" to suit the specific nuance you aim to convey. Avoid overusing "provoked by" for trivial matters to maintain the appropriate intensity of the message. As Ludwig AI confirms, "provoked by" is a valuable tool for clearly establishing cause-and-effect relationships in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

triggered by

This alternative emphasizes the immediate instigation of an action or event.

caused by

This alternative indicates a direct causal relationship, often implying a less immediate or intense reaction.

brought about by

This alternative suggests a more gradual or indirect causation.

instigated by

This alternative highlights the deliberate initiation of something, often implying a human agent.

sparked by

This alternative suggests a sudden and often energetic beginning.

prompted by

This alternative emphasizes the suggestion or encouragement that leads to an action.

generated by

This alternative focuses on the creation or production of something as a result.

incited by

This alternative implies a strong and often negative stimulus leading to action.

aroused by

This alternative suggests the stirring up of emotions or feelings.

motivated by

This alternative emphasizes the underlying reason or incentive for an action.

FAQs

How can I use "provoked by" in a sentence?

Use "provoked by" to show that an action, feeling, or event was caused or triggered by something else. For example: "The riot was "triggered by" the court's decision."

What are some alternatives to "provoked by"?

Some alternatives include "caused by", ""triggered by"", "instigated by", or "prompted by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "provoked by" the same as "caused by"?

While both phrases indicate causation, "provoked by" suggests a more immediate and often emotional reaction, whereas "caused by" is a more general term for any cause-and-effect relationship. Something that's "provoked" is typically a more intense or reactive response.

Can "provoked by" have a negative connotation?

Yes, "provoked by" can often imply a negative reaction or instigation, especially when referring to actions like violence or conflict. However, it can also be used in neutral contexts to describe any kind of stimulus leading to a response.