spark a controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'spark a controversy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something has caused or is likely to cause a lot of debate and disagreement. For example, "The Prime Minister's new policy proposal is sure to spark a controversy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Or is it that these women somehow knew exactly what to say and do to spark a controversy, and we all guilelessly played into their hands, reinforcing their strengths as manipulators?

The Guardian - Opinion

Asked if he thought switching to a basketball already in use by the vast majority of teams would spark a controversy, Shaheen of the N.C.A.A. said, "We listen to and respect the interests of any group expressing its views to us".

The New York Times - Sports

By inciting gun violence in Mexico, the theory goes, the administration hoped to spark a controversy that would build public support for gun control.

Huffington Post

I was doing something that I thought might spark a controversy or a dialogue or an argument putting a young girl in what could be deemed jeopardy, into a very strange and disturbing experience.

Vice

After the removals began to spark a controversy, Rove tried to hide the White House role from the public and from Congress in order to perpetuate the narrative that these decisions were solely based on performance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Łukasiewicz's trenchant and controversial views sparked a controversy over how to interpret the syllogistic.

SEP

A painting of Emmett Till sparked a controversy about representational art.

The New Yorker

But it also sparked a controversy because it contained no black characters – itself an inverted kind of compliment.

Independent

This has sparked a controversy over who should receive the money -- Baffert or the horse's owners.

The New York Times - Sports

That sparked a controversy over who should receive the money -- Baffert, War Emblem's trainer, or the horse's owners.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Santorum sparked a controversy by saying the commonwealth would need to adopt English as its primary language before achieving statehood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, specify the nature or extent of the controversy that is sparked. For example, "spark a national controversy" or "spark a heated controversy".

Common error

Avoid using "spark a controversy" for trivial disagreements or minor debates. This phrase implies a significant and widespread conflict, not just a difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark a controversy" functions as a verbal phrase. It's primarily used to describe the act of initiating or triggering a significant public disagreement or debate. Ludwig examples demonstrate this in contexts ranging from politics to art. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spark a controversy" is used to describe the act of initiating a public disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While relatively rare in overall usage, it commonly appears in News & Media, and to a lesser extent in scientific contexts. Related phrases include "generate a controversy" and "ignite a controversy". When using this phrase, ensure the situation warrants a strong term and avoids overuse for minor disagreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate a controversy

Focuses on the creation of the controversy, rather than the sudden ignition.

ignite a controversy

Emphasizes a sudden and intense start to the controversy, more dramatic than "spark".

cause a controversy

A more general term, simply indicating that something leads to a controversy.

raise a controversy

Highlights the act of bringing a controversy to public attention.

provoke a controversy

Suggests an intentional act of causing a controversy.

stir up a controversy

Implies an active effort to agitate or revive a latent controversy.

fuel a controversy

Suggests adding intensity to an existing controversy.

trigger a controversy

Highlights that an action instantly initiated or 'triggered' the controversy.

instigate a controversy

Implies initiating a controversy in a formal or planned manner.

foment a controversy

Implies persistent and deliberate efforts to stir up trouble or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "spark a controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "spark a controversy" to describe an action or event that initiates significant public disagreement. For example, "The politician's statement "sparked a controversy" over immigration policy".

What are some alternatives to "spark a controversy"?

Alternatives to "spark a controversy" include "generate a controversy", "ignite a controversy", or "cause a controversy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "spark a controversy" in formal writing?

Yes, "spark a controversy" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reporting and academic analysis, where the goal is to objectively describe the initiation of a contentious issue.

What is the difference between "spark a controversy" and "fuel a controversy"?

"Spark a controversy" refers to the initial event that starts the disagreement, while "fuel a controversy" implies adding intensity to an existing disagreement. You would "spark a controversy" with an initial action, then "fuel a controversy" with subsequent actions or statements.