sow havoc

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sow havoc" can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person or event that causes or brings about a lot of chaos and destruction. For example, "The storm sowed havoc across the city, causing widespread damage and power outages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

All it takes is a few self-styled "patriots" to sow havoc.

The New York Times

And even now fishermen camp illegally on uninhabited islands overnight and leave trash behind that could sow havoc.

The New York Times

The violence, which struck at least 11 cities and wounded nearly 240 people, highlighted militant attempts to sow havoc in the country and undermine the government.

The Guardian

The accepted version now holds that Iranian saboteurs with perhaps a few Iraqi deserters used the confusion of the time to infiltrate the border and sow havoc.

The New York Times

It will put an end to the ever-escalating legislative hostage-taking, and it will sow havoc among Republicans, further dividing the caucus between its radical wing and its even more radical wing.

The Guardian - Opinion

A gun has given tens of thousands of bored and hungry young men -- and, increasingly, young women -- license to pillage homes, extort money, rape, kill and sow havoc across West Africa.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But as things stand there is no terrifying authority who sows havoc.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sowing havoc in the empire, it was not a rebellious young girl, but an ambitious grown woman who reached out to Attila.

University of Chicago

As the AP observed it its obituary Monday, the world-changing invention of the soldier-turned-designer "sowed havoc instead of crops".

Los Angeles Times

What is clear is that the act was meant to sow dangerous havoc — and that the plant's security systems can be breached.

The New York Times

Not only is the overall number of disasters increasing, each calendar year seems to be punctuated by a cluster of mega-disasters like this year's record-breaking fires in California or last year's record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season, which saw not one, but three massive hurricanes sowing nothing but havoc in their path.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sow havoc" to describe actions or situations that lead to widespread disruption or negative consequences. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of chaos and destruction.

Common error

Avoid using "sow havoc" for minor inconveniences or isolated incidents. The phrase implies a significant and widespread disruption, so reserve it for situations that genuinely create substantial chaos.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sow havoc" functions as a verb phrase, where "sow" acts as a verb meaning to scatter or spread, and "havoc" functions as the object, representing widespread destruction or disorder. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase accurately conveys the act of initiating or causing significant disruption.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sow havoc" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of causing widespread disruption or destruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to emphasize the severity and impact of certain events or behaviors. While alternatives like "wreak havoc" are more common, "sow havoc" provides a nuanced way to describe the deliberate initiation of chaos. Predominantly found in news sources, its register is neutral, making it suitable for a variety of writing contexts. To ensure accurate usage, remember that "sow havoc" should be reserved for situations involving significant and widespread disruption, avoiding its application to minor inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wreak havoc

Focuses more on the destructive consequences resulting from an action or event.

cause chaos

Emphasizes the creation of disorder and confusion.

create disorder

Highlights the disturbance of an established order or system.

stir up trouble

Suggests a deliberate act of inciting conflict or problems.

incite disruption

Implies actively encouraging or provoking a state of disturbance.

generate turmoil

Focuses on producing a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

foment discord

Indicates the promotion of disagreement or conflict.

breed destruction

Implies nurturing conditions that lead to damage or ruin.

instigate mayhem

Suggests initiating violent or damaging disorder.

trigger pandemonium

Emphasizes the sudden onset of wild and noisy confusion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "sow havoc" is used to describe the act of causing widespread disruption or destruction. For instance, "The protesters aimed to "sow havoc" during the government meeting."

What are some alternatives to "sow havoc"?

Alternatives to "sow havoc" include phrases like "wreak havoc", "cause chaos", or "create disorder", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "sow havoc" or "wreak havoc"?

While both "sow havoc" and "wreak havoc" are similar, "wreak havoc" is more commonly used. "Sow havoc" can imply a more deliberate or intentional spreading of chaos, but the difference is subtle.

What is the origin of the expression "sow havoc"?

The expression "sow havoc" combines the idea of planting or spreading (sowing) chaos. While not as common as "wreak havoc", it carries a similar connotation of causing widespread disruption and destruction.