provokes us to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provokes us to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that incites or stimulates a reaction, thought, or action in a person or group. Example: "The documentary provokes us to reconsider our views on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Art moves us, provokes us, to think harder, more than history does.

The New York Times - Arts

All at Sea compels the reader's trust and sympathy, but also provokes us to consider our hypocrisies.

The Guardian - Books

In other words, pleasure is the carrot that provokes us to extricate ourselves from such states, but it almost always fades quickly.

The New York Times

Let us be the judge of what the whole mess means and what sins, if any, it provokes us to confess to.

The New York Times - Books

Such references might seem to bring us closer to the artist, but perhaps they only dampen the estrangement Ofili provokes us to feel.

The New Yorker

But they are also premised on the notion that triggering old memories makes us feel good and provokes us to reconnect with those who feature in them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

We praise politicians when they raise the discourse, and use language and images that provoke us to reflect on who we might be.

The New Yorker

But Jelinek has a way of provoking us to reëxamine our instinct to recoil.

The New Yorker

He enchanted and ensnared us in the theatre; he provoked us to action outside it.

The Guardian

Perhaps we can look forward to more of the kind of laughs that provoke us to make necessary, radical change.

The Guardian

For what? Good novels are novels that provoke us to argue with the writer, not just novels that make us feel magically, mysteriously at home.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provokes us to" when you want to emphasize that something is causing a strong reaction, thought, or consideration.

Common error

Avoid overusing "provokes us to" in your writing; it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "encourages us to" or "inspires us to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “provokes us to” functions as a verb phrase that introduces the purpose or result of a stimulus. It indicates that something is causing a particular reaction or initiating a specific action. This is supported by Ludwig which marks the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “provokes us to” is a phrase used to describe the action of stimulating a specific reaction or thought. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and effective in highlighting causal relationships. Its usage is mostly confined to neutral to formal contexts, appearing frequently in news, media, and scientific publications. While generally appropriate, it's essential to avoid overuse and vary your language. The phrase helps to express thoughtful analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leads us to

Highlights the directional aspect of influence.

prompts us to

Indicates a direct and immediate instigation.

encourages us to

Highlights a supportive push toward a specific direction.

compels us to

Indicates a strong, almost irresistible force.

motivates us to

Focuses on the driving force behind an action.

stimulates us to

Stresses the arousal of interest or activity.

drives us to

Focuses on the compelling force leading to an action.

inspires us to

Emphasizes a positive influence that motivates action.

invites us to

Suggests a more gentle and welcoming encouragement.

incites us to

Suggests a more forceful and possibly controversial urging.

FAQs

What does "provokes us to" mean?

The phrase "provokes us to" means to stimulate or incite a particular reaction, thought, or action in a group of people.

How can I use "provokes us to" in a sentence?

You can use "provokes us to" when discussing something that causes a strong reaction or consideration, such as "The documentary provokes us to reconsider our views on climate change."

What can I say instead of "provokes us to"?

You can use alternatives like "encourages us to", "inspires us to", or "leads us to" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "provokes us to think" or "encourages us to think"?

"Provokes us to think" implies a stronger, potentially unsettling stimulus, while "encourages us to think" suggests a gentler, more supportive influence. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended nuance.