provokes friction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provokes friction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that causes conflict or tension between individuals or groups. Example: "The new policy changes often provoke friction among team members who have differing opinions on how to implement them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Berg said that nearly every "Wonderland" episode presented to ABC executives has provoked friction with the network.

The New York Times - Arts

Why not stability, balance, keeping things sustainable?" The equilibrium between the genders is, for Antony, a model of how the world should conduct itself, making peace between opposites rather than provoking friction.

The Guardian - Music

McClaren has frequently been without around a dozen senior squad members this season, with the inordinate number of non-impact/soft-tissue injuries provoking behind‑the‑scenes friction between Alessandro Schoenmaker, the fitness coach, and Steve Black, the club's motivational speaker cum additional-conditioning coach.

The Guardian - Sport

China has criticised the move saying it will hurt trade relations and will provoke trade friction.

BBC

"The US is provoking trade friction in the new energy sector, and sending a negative signal to the world that stirs global trade protectionism and obstructs the sector's development," Shen Danyang, spokesman for China's Commerce Ministry was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency.

BBC

A glorious history versus an underwhelming present was the nub of the argument that provoked so much friction.

The Guardian - Sport

But even within the honeyed glow of unity that has come to follow tragedies here, these disparities can be difficult to ignore, occasionally provoking moments of friction and misunderstanding.

The New York Times

Andrew Weiss, a former White House advisor on Russia during the Clinton administration, said Russian officials provoked the latest friction by inserting themselves into the U.S. scandal.

Los Angeles Times

He excluded all elected officials and many big names from the new transportation authority committee he named in June, provoking many yelps but reducing friction.

The Economist

If these companies had little to show in terms of actual discoveries, at least the stocks ran up and down with minimal legal friction; there were no spectacular ascents or lawsuit-provoking crashes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mickey Rosenfeld, an Israeli police spokesman, said security in the West Bank has been boosted "to prevent the friction" between settlers and Palestinians, who, he said, often "provoke" attacks.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provokes friction" when you want to express that something leads to active disagreement or conflict, often suggesting an ongoing or repeated issue. Consider alternative phrasing if a more nuanced description of the resulting tension is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "provokes friction" repeatedly in formal writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "creates tension", "causes conflict", or "generates discord" to add depth and maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provokes friction" functions as a verb phrase where "provokes" is the verb and "friction" is the direct object. It describes the action of causing disagreement or tension. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Science

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Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Social Media

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provokes friction" describes an action that causes disagreement or tension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although examples are limited at this time, it is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as news or analytical writing. Related phrases include "causes conflict" and "creates tension", offering alternatives to enhance writing. Usage should be deliberate to avoid monotony, and awareness of context is essential to ensure appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causes conflict

Replaces "friction" with "conflict", focusing on the result of the provoking action.

creates tension

Substitutes "friction" with "tension", emphasizing the strained relationship produced.

generates discord

Uses "discord" instead of "friction", highlighting a lack of harmony.

incites disagreement

Replaces "friction" with "disagreement", focusing on the act of causing the difference of opinion.

sparks controversy

Implies the provoking action leads to public debate and opposition.

fosters antagonism

Emphasizes the creation of hostility and opposition.

triggers opposition

Focuses on the action of causing resistance or dissent.

stirs up trouble

An informal alternative indicating the creation of problems.

leads to clashes

Highlights the result of provoking as direct confrontations.

raises hackles

An idiomatic expression indicating the provoking action causes irritation or anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "provokes friction" to describe actions or situations that cause disagreement or conflict. For example, "The new policy changes often "provoke friction" among team members who have differing opinions on how to implement them."

What are some alternatives to "provokes friction"?

Alternatives include "creates tension", "causes conflict", or "generates discord". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, you could say "This decision "creates tension" within the community."

Is "provokes friction" formal or informal?

"Provokes friction" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to appear more frequently in news and analytical writing. Consider your audience and the specific tone you want to convey when choosing this phrase.

How does "provokes friction" differ from "causes conflict"?

"Provokes friction" suggests an ongoing or repeated source of tension, while "causes conflict" may refer to a more isolated incident. The phrase "provokes friction" often implies a series of minor irritations that build up over time, whereas "causes conflict" can describe a single, significant disagreement.