sow dissension

USAGE SUMMARY

'sow dissension' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing someone spreading discord or disagreement among people. For example, "The politician was notorious for trying to sow dissension among his opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In any event, they have already managed to sow dissension among the ranks of their tormentors.

The Economist

But, to sow dissension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, attacking India might be attractive to the Taliban anyway.

The Economist

Ultimately the Vrijjis, including the important Licchavi clan, were overthrown, having been weakened by a minister of Ajatashatru, who was able to sow dissension in the confederacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The key to undoing the Taliban is to sow dissension within its ranks by offering carrots -- bribes and positions in a new government -- to elements that might defect.

The New York Times

And according to the documents filed, he had also "publicly disparaged JA Apparel, attempting to sow dissension and to lower morale among JA Apparel employees".

The New York Times

Regrettably, however, similar moments of tension – though isolated – have in the past been used cynically by bigoted ideological pundits in both non-Muslim American and Muslim communities to sow dissension and enmity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Although this represents a sea change in the E.C.B. president's thinking, it risks sowing dissension within his ranks.

The New York Times

Yuan's last attempt, ironically, sowed dissension even among the conservative civilian and military forces that had supported him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An ecclesiastical court found him guilty of "sowing dissension within the church" and withdrew his credentials as a minister.

The New York Times

The Sikh leader Ranjit Singh, however, sowed dissension in Dūst Moḥammad's camp, the invading army melted away, and Peshawar was lost to the Afghans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The foreign minister said they had been arrested because they "sowed dissension" at a time when Saudi Arabia was under threat of terrorist attack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sow dissension" to describe deliberate actions aimed at creating disagreement or conflict within a group or organization. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the intention behind the action.

Common error

Avoid using "sow dissension" when the conflict arises naturally or unintentionally. This phrase implies a deliberate effort to create discord, not simply an accidental consequence of other actions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sow dissension" is as a verb phrase. It typically features a transitive verb ("sow") with a direct object ("dissension"). As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sow dissension" is a correct and commonly used expression that effectively conveys the action of deliberately creating discord or conflict. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in News & Media sources. Related phrases include "stir up conflict", "foment discord" and "incite strife". While grammatically sound, it's important to use "sow dissension" when there's a clear intention to create disagreement, avoiding its use for unintentional conflicts. Remember that its power lies in highlighting the manipulative intent behind the action of spreading discord, as Ludwig AI confirms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir up conflict

This alternative uses more direct and active verbs to describe the instigation of conflict.

foment discord

This phrase employs a more formal and somewhat stronger verb, 'foment', implying active encouragement of discord.

incite strife

This version emphasizes the intensity of the conflict being stirred, using 'strife' to suggest more aggressive disagreement.

create division

This alternative focuses on the outcome of the action, highlighting the separation it causes.

plant seeds of discord

This version uses a more metaphorical expression, highlighting the gradual development of disagreement.

fuel animosity

This phrase focuses on intensifying existing negative feelings and hostility.

trigger disputes

This alternative highlights the initiation of arguments and disagreements.

spark disagreements

This expression emphasizes the sudden emergence of disagreements.

breed resentment

This version highlights the gradual development of bitterness and ill-feeling.

foster antagonism

This alternative emphasizes the development of active opposition and hostility.

FAQs

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

You can use "sow dissension" to describe an action intended to create disagreement or conflict within a group. For example: "The propagandist tried to sow dissension among the population by spreading false rumors."

What phrases are similar to "sow dissension"?

Similar phrases include "stir up conflict", "foment discord", and "incite strife", which all describe actions that lead to disagreement or conflict.

Is it correct to say "spread dissension" instead of "sow dissension"?

While "spread dissension" is understandable, "sow dissension" is the more established and idiomatic expression, implying a deliberate and strategic effort to create discord. Think of "plant seeds of discord".

What's the difference between "sow dissension" and "cause division"?

"Sow dissension" implies actively creating disagreement, while "cause division" simply describes the result of actions that lead to separation or discord, regardless of intent. You sow dissension to "create division".