sow distrust

USAGE SUMMARY

'sow distrust' is a valid phrase used in written English, and it means to deliberately cause someone to distrust or not believe someone or something.
Example sentence: The politician used fear-mongering tactics to sow distrust in his opponent's ability to lead.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Sherman: Perhaps as some Stalin-esque plan to sow distrust and intimidation, Ailes leads with derision.

The Guardian

Certain "spiteful individuals," the statement continued, nevertheless burned government buildings, killed or wounded state security officers, and tried to sow distrust.

The New York Times

The civilian government has contended the memo is a "pack of lies" and was concocted to sow distrust between the civilian administration and the military, which has a history of intervening in Pakistani politics.

The New York Times

If one key aim of hybrid warfare is to sow distrust among communities, it is succeeding in Odessa, a city where once 200 different nationalities lived side by side.

Independent

Some suspect the resulting videos could be used in future trials, helping to intimidate them into compliance, while others saw it as a way to humiliate activists and sow distrust among them.

The Guardian

He said that Iran had a choice, and hinted that the United States would try to sow distrust between the governments of Iran and Iraq, if Iran did not stop backing the attacks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Mass repressions contributed to the spreading of unhealthy suspicion, and sowed distrust among communists.

The Guardian

"It sows distrust," said Hank Greely, a law professor and director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences at Stanford University.

The New York Times

Adams won the election, and Hamilton's intrigue succeeded only in sowing distrust within his own party.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They have undermined public faith in the government, sown distrust and made the police fearful for their lives.

The New York Times

Within the CIS the war in Chechnya sowed distrust of Russia among most states, which resisted entering into a close security arrangement with Moscow; the exception was Kazakhstan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sow distrust" when you want to emphasize the deliberate act of creating or increasing distrust among people or groups. It is often used in the context of political strategy or social manipulation.

Common error

While "sow distrust" is acceptable in news and general writing, be mindful of its potential negative connotation. In formal or academic writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "generate skepticism" or "foster disbelief" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sow distrust" functions as a verb phrase where "sow" is a transitive verb taking "distrust" as its direct object. It describes the act of initiating or propagating a feeling of disbelief or suspicion. Ludwig confirms this is a valid and well-understood expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sow distrust" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of deliberately creating or spreading feelings of doubt and suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. Its function is typically critical, highlighting manipulative intent, particularly in political and social scenarios. While applicable across various registers, it appears most frequently in news and media. Consider using alternatives such as "foment suspicion" or "breed mistrust" to adjust the intensity and nuance of your writing. When using this expression, ensure that your writing remains objective and considers the potential negative connotations associated with this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foment suspicion

Implies actively instigating or stirring up suspicion, suggesting a more deliberate effort.

breed mistrust

Focuses on creating an environment where mistrust can grow and spread.

instill doubt

Emphasizes planting seeds of doubt in someone's mind, leading to distrust.

generate skepticism

Highlights creating a general feeling of doubt or questioning.

arouse suspicion

Suggests creating a feeling of doubt through specific actions or events.

cultivate doubt

Implies a sustained and careful effort to promote doubt.

plant seeds of doubt

Uses a metaphor to describe introducing doubts into someone's mind.

foster disbelief

Highlights encouraging a lack of belief in something.

incite skepticism

Suggests actively provoking a skeptical attitude.

trigger uncertainty

Emphasizes causing a state of uncertainty and doubt.

FAQs

What does "sow distrust" mean?

"Sow distrust" means to deliberately create or spread feelings of doubt and suspicion among people, often to undermine relationships or institutions.

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

You can use "sow distrust" to describe actions that lead to increased skepticism or disbelief, such as: "The propaganda campaign aimed to "sow distrust" between the allies."

Which is a stronger term, "sow distrust" or "foment suspicion"?

"Foment suspicion" is generally considered a stronger term than "sow distrust", suggesting a more active and deliberate effort to stir up negative feelings.

What are some alternatives to "sow distrust"?

Alternatives to "sow distrust" include phrases like "breed mistrust", "instill doubt", or "generate skepticism", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.