provoked outrage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoked outrage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that has caused strong feelings of anger or indignation among people. Example: "The controversial decision by the government provoked outrage among citizens who felt their rights were being violated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This provoked outrage in China.

The Economist

The raid provoked outrage across Pakistan.

The New York Times

The case has provoked outrage.

The Guardian - Business

Not surprisingly, the confession provoked outrage.

Independent

The case provoked outrage well beyond Nigeria.

The New York Times

The article provoked outrage and dismay.

The New Yorker

The move provoked outrage from lawyers.

The Guardian

Jerry Sandusky's sex abuse of boys provoked outrage.

The New York Times

Dawkins provoked outrage when he questioned Ahmed's motives on Twitter.

Independent

The protest never materialized, but the action provoked outrage.

The New York Times

The plans provoked outrage from across the political spectrum.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provoked outrage", ensure the context clearly explains what action or event caused the outrage and who experienced it. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "provoked outrage" without specifying who felt the outrage. Vague statements weaken the impact. Instead of saying 'The decision provoked outrage', specify 'The decision provoked outrage among environmental activists'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoked outrage" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating that something caused a strong negative emotional reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable expression. The verb "provoked" signifies the act of causing or eliciting, while "outrage" denotes the intense feeling of anger and indignation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provoked outrage" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe events that cause strong public anger. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While synonyms exist, such as "sparked indignation" or "generated uproar", the key is to ensure clear attribution of the outrage to specific actors or groups. By avoiding vague language and understanding the nuances of related phrases, writers can effectively convey the intensity and impact of events that elicit strong public disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparked indignation

Changes the verb to 'sparked' and the noun to 'indignation', suggesting a slightly more formal or intense reaction.

incited fury

Replaces 'outrage' with 'fury', indicating a higher degree of anger and rage.

caused public anger

Uses a more descriptive phrase to express the same idea, emphasizing the public nature of the anger.

generated uproar

Substitutes 'outrage' with 'uproar', suggesting a noisy and public display of disapproval.

triggered condemnation

Replaces 'outrage' with 'condemnation', focusing on the act of formally expressing disapproval.

led to widespread protest

Shifts the focus to the resulting action (protest) rather than the feeling of outrage itself.

created a backlash

Emphasizes the reactive nature of the response, suggesting a strong and negative reaction.

met with disapproval

Uses a more understated tone to express a negative reaction, suggesting disagreement rather than intense anger.

fueled public dissent

Implies that the action added to pre-existing public disagreement, intensifying the reaction.

occasioned strong criticism

Focuses on the critical response to the action, highlighting the expression of negative opinions.

FAQs

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

You can use "provoked outrage" to describe an action or event that caused strong feelings of anger or indignation. For example, "The company's new policy "provoked outrage" among its employees."

What's a less common synonym for "provoked outrage"?

A less common synonym for "provoked outrage" is "engendered outrage". While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "engendered" is a more formal term.

Which is the most appropriate context for "provoked outrage"?

"Provoked outrage" is commonly used in news and media to describe public reactions to controversial events or decisions. It can also be used in academic or formal writing, though synonyms like "generated uproar" might be more suitable depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "provoked outrage" and "expressed outrage"?

"Provoked outrage" refers to the act of causing strong negative reactions, while "expressed outrage" refers to the act of showing or communicating that anger or indignation. The first focuses on the cause, and the second on the manifestation.