provokes anxiety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provokes anxiety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that causes feelings of worry or unease in individuals. Example: "The uncertainty of the future often provokes anxiety among students about their career choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He provokes anxiety and animus among Democrats, but much of that is just envy".

The New York Times

This video from "THE PAPER CHASE" is the kind of situation that provokes anxiety nightmares.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, boomers said the realization that their hearing is no longer sharp provokes anxiety about age, frailty, dependency and obsolescence.

The New York Times

These explanations are convenient ways to hide their fear of eating high calorie foods or foods prepared by others which provokes anxiety".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Tweaking games typically entails deleting some competitive elements and adding commands to let patients control exposure to whatever provokes anxiety).Some firms design games and virtual environments specifically for health-care applications.

The Economist

Some have argued that this helps to explain why he has experienced a brighter media limelight than the others; his rise is not only surprising but provokes anxiety to mainstream minds.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Which might provoke anxiety.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are "modern" because they provoke anxiety.

The Guardian - Arts

In both cases it is their temperaments that provoke anxiety.

The Guardian - Sport

They tended to provoke anxiety about the body and its susceptibility to illness, he said.

The New York Times - Health

But, despite the daily headlines, there's little evidence that the situation has provoked anxiety.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the reasons behind anxiety, be specific. For instance, instead of saying "The situation provokes anxiety", specify what aspect of the situation triggers the anxiety, such as "The uncertainty of the job market provokes anxiety among recent graduates".

Common error

While "provokes anxiety" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or clinical in everyday conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "makes me anxious" or "worries me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provokes anxiety" functions as a verb phrase where "provokes" is the verb and "anxiety" is the direct object. It indicates that something is causing or triggering feelings of anxiety. Ludwig AI affirms this usage is correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provokes anxiety" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that causes feelings of worry or unease. Ludwig AI confirms this. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is found across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias, but it may come across as overly formal in very informal contexts. When writing, ensure that the context suits the level of formality and consider using more common alternatives, like "causes anxiety" or "triggers anxiety", where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causes anxiety

Directly replaces "provokes" with a more common synonym, "causes", maintaining the core meaning.

triggers anxiety

Emphasizes the sudden onset of anxiety, similar to "provokes" but with a focus on immediate reaction.

induces anxiety

A more formal synonym for "provokes", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

elicits anxiety

Similar to "induces", but suggests a slightly more subtle or indirect causation of anxiety.

generates anxiety

Highlights the creation or production of anxiety as a result of something.

creates anxiety

Focuses on the formation of anxiety, similar to "generates" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the outcome.

fosters anxiety

Suggests a gradual development of anxiety, implying a nurturing or supportive environment for it.

gives rise to anxiety

A more verbose way of saying "causes anxiety", emphasizing the origin or source of the anxiety.

sparks anxiety

Highlights the sudden and often unexpected appearance of anxiety.

instills anxiety

Implies a deliberate or intentional introduction of anxiety, though not necessarily with negative intent.

FAQs

How can I use "provokes anxiety" in a sentence?

Use "provokes anxiety" to describe something that causes feelings of worry or unease. For example, "The thought of public speaking often provokes anxiety".

What are some alternatives to "provokes anxiety"?

You can use alternatives like "causes anxiety", "triggers anxiety", or "elicits anxiety", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "provokes anxiety" or "causes anxiety"?

Both "provokes anxiety" and "causes anxiety" are correct. "Provokes" is slightly more formal, while "causes" is more common in everyday language. Choose the one that best fits your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What kind of situations generally "provoke anxiety"?

Situations that involve uncertainty, potential danger, or significant pressure often "provoke anxiety". Examples include job interviews, public speaking, financial difficulties, and health concerns.