sow dissent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sow dissent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of promoting disagreement or discord among a group of people. Example: "The politician's speech was designed to sow dissent among the voters, creating divisions within the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The librarian told me it might sow dissent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, the Islamists suggested a conspiracy by some unknown party to sow dissent among Egyptians.

The New York Times

Deciding how to spend such a sum could sow dissent, he said.

The New York Times

Failure to do so would increase feelings of exclusion in Russian-leaning regions, where Kremlin agents continue to sow dissent.

The Economist

Nor are the Wheelers some kind of sleeper cell, on a secret mission to sow dissent among their complacent neighbors.

The New Yorker

Fake accounts on Twitter have been used to try to sway elections, sow dissent and spread propaganda.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Few experts know how these fires will affect the Gran Sabana, aside from sowing dissent.

The New York Times

However, he also accused the United States of sowing dissent between Iraq and Iran.

The New York Times

The Russians used Facebook as a platform to organize and promote real-world events aimed at bolstering Trump and sowing dissent.

The Washington Post

In "Possessed," a muttering, occasionally screaming wild-haired woman with terror in her eyes reels through the stone streets of a Muslim town, sowing dissent and conflict as she goes.

The New York Times - Arts

Almost all of the Russian disinformation efforts, according to current and former officials, are aimed at sowing dissent, polarizing the political parties and setting the stage for the 2020 presidential election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sow dissent" when you want to emphasize the intentional act of spreading discord or disagreement within a group. It's particularly effective when describing actions that undermine unity or create division.

Common error

Avoid using "sow dissent" to describe situations where disagreement arises naturally or unintentionally. The phrase implies a deliberate action of causing discord, not just the existence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sow dissent" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "sow" acts as a transitive verb taking "dissent" as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts where an actor instigates or spreads disagreement. It describes an action with a specific goal: to create division.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sow dissent" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of deliberately creating disagreement or discord within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies intentionality and often carries a negative connotation. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it highlights actions that undermine unity. While alternatives like "stir up discord" or "foment discord" exist, "sow dissent" is particularly effective when emphasizing the deliberate and insidious nature of spreading discord. Its usage aligns with standard English grammar and is generally considered acceptable across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plant seeds of discord

Uses a similar metaphor to "sow dissent", but with the addition of "seeds", which could imply a more gradual or subtle process.

stir up discord

Focuses on initiating trouble or disagreement; "stir up" implies a more active role in causing the discord.

foment discord

"Foment" suggests actively encouraging or instigating conflict.

incite disagreement

"Incite" implies provoking strong emotions or reactions leading to disagreement.

create division

Emphasizes the result of separating a group into opposing factions.

promote disunity

Highlights the act of diminishing the sense of unity within a group.

instigate conflict

"Instigate" suggests initiating or provoking a conflict.

breed conflict

"Breed" suggests nurturing or fostering conflict over time.

trigger disputes

Focuses on setting off a chain of events that leads to arguments.

foster antagonism

"Foster" implies actively encouraging or supporting hostile feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "sow dissent" to describe actions that intentionally create disagreement or discord within a group. For example: "The propagandist aimed to "sow dissent" among the population by spreading misinformation."

What is a good alternative to "sow dissent"?

Alternatives to "sow dissent" include "stir up discord", "foment discord", or "incite disagreement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sow the seeds of dissent"?

Yes, "sow the seeds of dissent" is a correct and commonly used variant of "sow dissent". It emphasizes the initial stages of discord or disagreement taking root.

What's the difference between "sow dissent" and "create conflict"?

"Sow dissent" specifically refers to creating disagreement or discord, often with the intention of undermining unity. While "create conflict" is broader and can refer to any kind of dispute or struggle, not necessarily involving internal division.