provokes questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provokes questions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic, statement, or piece of art that elicits curiosity or inquiry from the audience. Example: "The documentary on climate change provokes questions about our responsibility towards the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This self-described "indelicate commencement" immediately provokes questions.

The Guardian - Books

Arsenal-Barcelona always provokes questions about Cesc Fábregas's future.

The Guardian - Sport

So Mr Falwell's death provokes questions about the future as well as reflections on the past.

The Economist

Stephanie Moulton's death provokes questions about the value we as a society place on social workers' lives.

The New York Times

But the original reporting at the heart of "Stealing the Fire" provokes questions that demand further investigation.

The New York Times

"It's such an astounding collection," the eminent art historian TJ Clark told me, "and all the time it provokes questions.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But strange price movements have begun to provoke questions.

The Economist

Khan's death also provoked questions amongst Welsh politicians.

The Guardian

These shows provoke questions, debate, argument and thought.

The Guardian - Arts

Behind it lies a bet that democracy is better served by provoking questions than by preaching.

The Economist

Other revelations in the book provoke questions about David Cameron's memory.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provokes questions" when you want to emphasize that something actively causes people to ask questions, rather than passively suggesting them.

Common error

While "provokes questions" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "raises questions" or "elicits inquiries" to maintain variety and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provokes questions" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of causing or initiating inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe something that prompts questions. The examples from Ludwig highlight how various events, situations, or pieces of work can "provoke questions".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

16%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provokes questions" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes something that causes people to ask questions or inquire further. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it's more common in news and media, science, and the arts, it's less frequent in informal contexts. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the active stimulation of inquiry and consider synonyms like "raises questions" to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raises questions

Changes the verb to a more common synonym, affecting the overall tone slightly towards neutrality.

elicits questions

Replaces "provokes" with "elicits", suggesting a more passive prompting of questions.

prompts questions

Substitutes "provokes" with "prompts", indicating a more direct instigation of questions.

sparks questions

Uses "sparks" instead of "provokes", implying a sudden and energetic initiation of questions.

triggers questions

Replaces "provokes" with "triggers", suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship leading to questions.

engenders questions

Substitutes "provokes" with "engenders", implying a more generative and less forceful creation of questions.

gives rise to questions

Employs a more verbose construction, focusing on the emergence of questions as a result.

instigates questions

Replaces "provokes" with "instigates", suggesting an active initiation or encouragement of questions.

invites inquiry

Shifts the focus from "questions" to "inquiry", suggesting a broader, more investigative response.

creates doubt

Focuses on the effect of provoking questions, highlighting the creation of doubt or uncertainty.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "provokes questions"?

When something "provokes questions", it means it causes people to ask questions or to inquire about something, usually because it's surprising, confusing, or controversial.

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

You can use "provokes questions" when discussing a topic, statement, or piece of art that elicits curiosity or inquiry from the audience. For example: "The documentary on climate change "provokes questions" about our responsibility towards the environment."

What can I say instead of "provokes questions"?

You can use alternatives like ""raises questions"", ""elicits inquiries"", or "prompts questions" depending on the context.

Is "provokes questions" formal or informal?

"Provokes questions" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in news and media or academic writing. In very informal settings, you might prefer simpler phrases like "makes you wonder".