public commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "public commotion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disturbance or uproar occurring in a public space, often involving a crowd or group of people. Example: "The public commotion outside the courthouse drew the attention of local news reporters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But the public commotion over Goodbye Columbus, though, was nothing to the uproar that greeted the publication of Portnoy.

The Guardian - Books

After the painting was defaced, the public commotion only became more heated.

The New Yorker

His novel En dag i oktober (1931; One Day in October) created a public commotion because of its critical depiction of bourgeois marriage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But middle age, growing affluence, an established international reputation, the disruptions of World War I, and a distaste for public commotion gradually combined to isolate him from the centres of avant-gardism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Isaías Rodríguez, the national prosecutor, said the shooting might have been part of a well-organized plan to "produce a public commotion to serve as an argument or excuse for the events that took place later," meaning Mr. Chávez's removal.

The New York Times

Six managing directors at the Dutch bank ABN Amro have renounced a €100,000 ($109,000 £73,0000) bonus after a "public commotion", the bank says.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

What he has typically done in his own work is not to make the personal political but — even before his apostasy from the left — to render the political personal, shrinking it down to human size by inserting an analogue of himself into the commotion of public events.

The New Yorker

To add to criminal policing arcana, throw in "riotous commotion" and "public nuisance".

Huffington Post

Covered in mirrors and motorized to perform surreal transforming choreography, a larger-than-life sculpture of Franz Kafka's head has been causing quite a bit of commotion to a public square near the author's old stomping grounds in Prague.

Vice

He "takes pictures" with his mind and solves math problems by "seeing numbers". And yet the commotion and noise of public places can destabilize him.

The Washington Post

Even when pressed by other city and legislative leaders, Mr. Bloomberg has maintained that he would rather quietly negotiate with the governor, whom he strongly supported in the last election, than pick public fights and cause a political commotion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "public commotion" when you want to describe a noisy and disruptive event involving a group of people that attracts public attention. It is suitable when emphasizing the disturbance and its visibility.

Common error

Avoid using "public commotion" when a simpler term like "public discussion" or "community event" is more appropriate. "Public commotion" implies a significant disturbance, so reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public commotion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance of public disturbance. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe reactions to events or artistic works.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "public commotion" effectively captures situations characterized by widespread disturbance and noise. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for describing notable disruptions. While uncommon, it finds its niche primarily in news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and wikis offering a slightly more formal alternative to everyday descriptions. When using it, ensure the context genuinely reflects a significant disturbance to avoid sensationalizing events. If a high similarity score is needed, alternatives like "public disturbance" could work well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public disturbance

This phrase is a direct synonym, emphasizing the disruptive nature of the event.

public outcry

This phrase highlights the expression of strong disapproval or protest from the public.

civil unrest

This phrase emphasizes the disturbance of public order by a group of people.

public uproar

This phrase amplifies the sense of widespread outrage and protest.

public agitation

This phrase suggests a state of public anxiety or excitement.

public furor

This phrase implies intense excitement or anger from the public.

public tumult

This phrase conveys a sense of noisy confusion or disorder.

public disorder

This phrase focuses on the breakdown of law and order in a public setting.

public disruption

This phrase highlights the interruption of normal public activities.

general excitement

This phrase downplays the negative connotations focusing on heightened emotional state.

FAQs

What does "public commotion" mean?

"Public commotion" refers to a state of noisy disturbance or uproar involving a group of people that attracts public attention. It implies a significant disruption of peace and order.

Which is more appropriate: "public commotion" or "public disturbance"?

Both "public commotion" and "public disturbance" can be used to describe a disruption, but "public commotion" often emphasizes the noisy and chaotic nature of the event, while "public disturbance" focuses more on the disruption of peace and order.

What are some situations where I can use the phrase "public commotion"?

You can use "public commotion" to describe events such as protests, riots, or any situation where a large group of people is causing a noisy and visible disruption in a public space.

What can I say instead of "public commotion"?

You can use alternatives like "public uproar", "civil unrest", or "public agitation" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.