provoking dissension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoking dissension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing actions or statements that lead to disagreement or conflict among individuals or groups. Example: "His comments during the meeting were seen as provoking dissension among team members, leading to a heated debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fairfax is cutting newsroom jobs, provoking dissension there, after its own fall in newspaper revenue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His actions, however, provoked dissension in the TDP, particularly from Nara Chandrababu Naidu, NTR's son-in-law and by then one of the party's highest-ranking members.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More recently the show has provoked dissension within the ranks of ESPN itself, with some saying that it amounts to both a conflict of interest and lightweight, checkbook journalism.

The New York Times - Arts

Wilma J. Grey, the library's director, declined to reveal Mr. Dane's acquisition budget, saying she did not want to provoke dissension among cash-strapped departments and the city's 10 library branches.

The New York Times

Today, when a broad coalition is needed more than ever, the relative roles and responsibilities of black and white leadership continue to provoke dissension.

Huffington Post

This roster of neglected films, only 18 of which are available on DVD in the UK, is intended to provoke discussion, dissension and your own suggestions.

The Guardian - Film

Rushing forward with construction before such testing is complete will not make America any safer and could provoke needless dissension with key allies and a risky breakdown of international arms control agreements.

The New York Times

In an April 15 statement posted on the federation's Web site, René Roch, president of the F.I.E., said he hoped the decision "does not provoke any dissension within our sport".

The New York Times - Sports

Under Simeon's successors, Bulgaria was beset by internal dissension provoked by the spread of Bogomilism (a dualist religious sect) and by assaults from Magyars, Pechenegs, the Rus, and Byzantines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The concept initially referred to an activist secretly working with authorities who might provide information, sow suspicion and internal dissension, and/or provoke violent actions that would turn public opinion against a social movement and offer legal and moral grounds for its repression.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If so, just how is the state to resolve the resulting controversies without provoking legitimate fears of the kinds of religious favoritism that, in so religiously diverse a Nation, threaten social dissension?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provoking dissension" when you want to emphasize the active role of someone or something in causing disagreement. It suggests a deliberate or direct action that leads to conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "provoking dissension" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "generating disagreement" or "raising concerns" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoking dissension" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the act of causing disagreement or conflict. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing actions that directly lead to disagreement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provoking dissension" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of causing disagreement or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider alternative expressions if a more neutral or informal tone is desired. Alternatives such as "inciting discord" or "stirring up conflict" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inciting discord

Emphasizes the act of stirring up trouble or disagreement.

stirring up conflict

Highlights the creation or aggravation of an existing conflict.

fomenting strife

Suggests actively promoting or instigating conflict and animosity.

generating disagreement

Focuses on the production of differing opinions or arguments.

causing friction

Implies creating tension and unease between parties.

sparking controversy

Highlights the initiation of a public debate or dispute.

triggering discord

Emphasizes the act of setting off a disagreement.

instigating disputes

Suggests initiating arguments or disagreements, often formally.

breeding resentment

Focuses on creating feelings of bitterness and animosity.

raising hackles

Informal term for causing someone to become angry and defensive.

FAQs

How can I use "provoking dissension" in a sentence?

You can use "provoking dissension" to describe actions or statements that cause disagreement or conflict, such as: "His remarks were seen as "provoking dissension" among the board members".

What are some alternatives to "provoking dissension"?

Alternatives include "inciting discord", "stirring up conflict", or "generating disagreement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "provoking dissension" a formal or informal phrase?

"Provoking dissension" is generally considered neutral but can lean towards slightly formal. In very informal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "stirring up trouble".

What's the difference between "provoking dissension" and "causing friction"?

"Provoking dissension" implies a more direct instigation of disagreement, while "causing friction" suggests a more gradual build-up of tension and unease.