riot

USAGE SUMMARY

'riot' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to an outbreak of violent and destructive behavior, as well as a verb to refer to taking part in an outbreak of violence. Example sentence: The police had to use tear gas to disperse the rioting crowd.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Five police officers and a press photographer have been injured after a riot erupted in the grounds of Belfast city hall following a council vote to cut the number of days the Union flag will be flown there.

The Guardian

This week's protests may be the most chaotic scenes Hong Kong has experienced since a violent, anti-British riot racked the city in 1967 – and many residents are taking it as evidence that the "one country, two systems" framework is fundamentally flawed, a recipe for political gridlock and social unrest.

The Guardian

By the time the Libertines headline Reading, we'll be 100 days into a Tory-majority government, by which point I imagine everyone will be quite into a song about finding love in an anti-capitalism riot.

The Guardian - Music

Police officers at Orgreave, she said, were asked by South Yorkshire police detectives to describe in their statements "scenes they'd simply never seen", with some Liverpool officers claiming they had witnessed a riot at Orgreave but had never left Merseyside.

The Guardian

We named them Jambanja (Shona slang for a party that becomes a riot), and Mahali, Swahili for a place that becomes the journey.

The Guardian - Travel

All well and good had Winterbottom designated another player, probably a wing-half, to follow Hidegkuti, but he didn't, with the result that Hidegkuti ran riot and scored three goals.

The Guardian - Sport

Kwementyaye's mother feared a riot and the family issued a public appeal for calm.

The Guardian

Activists who attended the protests claimed provocateurs in the crowd broke windows in the main government building in order to justify a charge by riot police.

The Guardian

AC The first thing that strikes you about these two images (both published on the same day, 3 December 1967) is the apparent chaos of images and text – a riot of symbols and signs that encodes the confusion many adults must have felt in the face of a suddenly demanding youth culture.

The Guardian

The welcome and farewell dinners, with gallons of village wine and Alma holding court, are a riot.

The Guardian - Travel

In the pages of Le Parisien, the chronicle of daily life in the city, the events were described as "une émeute populaire" (a popular riot).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "riot", provide specific details about its cause, location, and participants to give your audience a clear understanding of the event. Avoid generalizations or sensational language that could be misinterpreted.

Common error

Be careful not to use "riot" interchangeably with "protest". A protest is a demonstration of opinion, whereas a "riot" involves violence and public disturbance. Always consider the specific context and actions involved.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "riot" is as both a noun, referring to a violent public disturbance, and a verb, describing the act of participating in such a disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "riot" functions as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe violent public disturbances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral tone. While "riot" is widely recognized, it is crucial to distinguish it from related terms like "protest". For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "civil unrest" or "public disorder", depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use the term accurately to avoid misrepresentation or exaggeration. Its widespread use, as shown by Ludwig's examples, indicates its importance in describing critical events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

civil unrest

Focuses on the broader societal implications and collective nature of the disturbance.

public disorder

Emphasizes the disruption of societal norms and legal regulations.

tumultuous upheaval

Highlights the chaotic and disruptive nature of the event.

violent demonstration

Implies a planned event that has escalated into violence.

mob violence

Focuses on the collective and aggressive actions of a group.

lawlessness

Stresses the absence of legal control and the breakdown of order.

uprising

Suggests a more organized and potentially politically motivated revolt.

insurrection

Implies a rebellion against established authority or government.

rebellion

Highlights resistance to authority, often with a political goal.

disturbance of the peace

Legalistic term describing a disruption that violates public order.

FAQs

How is the word "riot" used in a sentence?

The word "riot" can be used as both a noun and a verb. For example, "The police tried to control the riot" (noun), or "The protesters began to riot after the announcement" (verb).

What are some synonyms for the word "riot"?

Alternatives to "riot" include "civil unrest", "public disorder", or "tumultuous upheaval", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "riot" and a "protest"?

Yes, a "protest" is a demonstration of opinion, which is not necessarily violent, whereas a "riot" typically involves violence, vandalism, and public disturbance.

When is it appropriate to use the term "riot"?

Use the term "riot" when describing an event involving violent public disturbance by a group of people. It's essential to ensure accuracy and avoid exaggerating the situation.