significant upheaval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant upheaval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a major disturbance or change in a situation, often with negative connotations. Example: "The recent political changes have led to significant upheaval in the country's economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Both authorities admitted the proposal was ditched because of the "very significant upheaval" and costs involved.

The Guardian

Technical factors suggest there would be significant upheaval after any shift from the dollar.

The New York Times

Even if he is deposed soon, they are heading into a period of significant upheaval.

Independent

But by Tuesday, Irsay seemed to be taking a more Zen approach, perhaps signaling that he planned no significant upheaval.

The New York Times - Sports

President Obama last week nominated Mary Jo White, the former United States attorney in Manhattan, as her replacement, opening the agency's roster to significant upheaval.

The New York Times

Not only has the controversy surrounding Charney led to significant upheaval in the boardroom and a string of costly legal claims, but it has damaged the American Apparel brand.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Vowell deftly summarizes complex events and significant upheavals, reducing them to their essence.

The New York Times - Books

Although the use of social media such as Facebook leads to the "derailment" (Young, 2010) or "can be a counterproductive distraction" (Szapkiw & Szapkiw, 2011 362) of lecture topics, no such significant upheavals are noted in this study.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

We've witnessed significant upheavals in the patent system in the last few years, ranging from a surprisingly active Supreme Court that has weighed in on patent law, major legal changes that have impacted the validity of patents in litigation (particularly software patents) and repeated unsuccessful attempts at patent reform.

TechCrunch

But in my earlier story, the cast talked about how, in Season 2, things have changed for the residents of Downton Abbey, a stately home that undergoes significant upheavals during World War I.

Huffington Post

It added: "The coalition programme anticipated an evolution of existing institutions; the white paper announced significant institutional upheaval.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant upheaval", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being disrupted or changed. Provide specific details to illustrate the extent and impact of the upheaval for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "significant upheaval" to describe minor or routine changes. Reserve it for situations involving substantial disruption and far-reaching consequences to maintain credibility and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant upheaval" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "upheaval". As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase describes a state of considerable disturbance or change.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant upheaval" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a major disturbance or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable in various contexts, including news, science, and business, with a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly illustrates the extent and impact of the disruption. Be cautious not to overstate the impact by applying it to minor or routine changes. Alternatives like "major disruption" or "substantial turmoil" can be used for nuanced expression. The phrase's frequent appearance in reputable sources ensures its reliability and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major disruption

Emphasizes the disruptive aspect of the event or situation, suggesting a disturbance to the normal course of things.

substantial turmoil

Highlights the chaotic and unsettling nature of the situation, suggesting a period of instability.

considerable disturbance

Focuses on the extent of the disruption, indicating a notable level of interference or interruption.

extensive disruption

Emphasizes the reach and scope of the disruption, implying a widespread impact.

profound change

Highlights the depth and importance of the alteration, suggesting a fundamental shift.

radical transformation

Implies a complete and fundamental change, often suggesting a shift in the underlying nature of something.

sweeping changes

Focuses on the breadth and scope of the changes, suggesting they affect many areas or aspects.

major restructuring

Emphasizes the reorganization aspect of the changes, particularly in organizational or systemic contexts.

seismic shift

Uses a metaphor to describe a powerful and impactful change, akin to an earthquake in its effect.

momentous transition

Highlights the importance and significance of the change, often suggesting a historic or pivotal moment.

FAQs

How can I use "significant upheaval" in a sentence?

Use "significant upheaval" to describe situations involving major disruption, change, or instability. For example, "The company experienced "significant upheaval" after the merger".

What are some alternatives to "significant upheaval"?

Alternatives include "major disruption", "substantial turmoil", or "profound change", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "significant upheaval" formal or informal?

"Significant upheaval" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is most commonly found in news, business, and academic writing. Its formality is neutral.

What kind of events usually cause "significant upheaval"?

Events causing "significant upheaval" often include political changes, economic downturns, natural disasters, or major organizational restructuring. These events share the common trait of causing considerable disruption and instability.