spark a reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

"spark a reaction" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that elicits an emotional or physical response. For example: The speaker's words sparked a reaction among the audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It's a huge coup and we are sure his work will spark a reaction with visitors".

Independent

From the start of this season he tried to spark a reaction from his players, to make sure that they did not grow complacent after winning the title.

Independent

Chelsea will be active in January after their transfer ban was lifted and any move from Stamford Bridge is sure to spark a reaction from Manchester United, where it is understood that Ferguson, that prime judge of pedigree football flesh, rates Rodwell as a sure-fire star of the future.

BBC

will spark a reaction from us and we'll be able to to pull ourselves away". Truro have drawn two and lost four of their last six games, including the three-match losing run they are currently on, eradicating an eight-point buffer above the bottom three they had a few weeks ago.

BBC

Convincing people that using Twitter too often isn't good for them is unlikely to spark a reaction of any substance.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"After my dad passed away there wasn't an instant change, but it sparked a reaction in me".

The Guardian - Sport

The incident has sparked a reaction from a number of Twitter users, using the hashtag #blacklivesmatter and #AnthonyHill.

Independent

The fatwa sparked a reaction from female cyclists, who posted photographs on social media of themselves on their bikes, with the hashtag #IranianWomenLoveCycling.

The Guardian

Though the fine art graduate and practising Hindu insisted she "definitely did not make this work for the sake of controversy," the work has - predictably - sparked a reaction.

Independent

The increasing signs of heavy cannabis use among teenagers have sparked a reaction across Europe with even the Dutch now considering closing their cannabis "coffee shops" to foreign tourists.

The Guardian

It has also sparked a reaction in cyberspace, with comments from prominent bloggers and journalists.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spark a reaction" when you want to emphasize that something suddenly caused a noticeable response, either emotional or physical.

Common error

While acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "elicit a response" or "generate a reaction" in academic or business writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark a reaction" functions as a verb phrase. The verb "spark" signifies the initiation or causation of a response, while "a reaction" denotes the resulting action or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spark a reaction" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of causing a response, either emotional or physical. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid. While its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts, it conveys a clear and understandable meaning. Consider more formal alternatives like "elicit a response" in academic or business writing. The phrase emphasizes the causal relationship between an action and a response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trigger a response

Focuses on initiating a response, similar to sparking, but emphasizes a more mechanical or automatic initiation.

elicit a response

Highlights drawing out a response that was already present, differing slightly from sparking which implies creation.

provoke a reaction

Emphasizes a stronger, often negative, initiation of a response, in contrast to the more neutral connotation of sparking.

generate a response

Focuses on creating or producing a response, similar to sparking, but emphasizes the creation aspect.

incite a response

Implies a strong and often emotional instigation of a reaction, diverging from the general initiation sense of sparking.

stimulate a reaction

Focuses on encouraging or arousing a reaction, emphasizing a more gentle prompting compared to the instigation of sparking.

prompt a reaction

Highlights a more direct and immediate causation of a reaction, differing slightly from the sense of sparking.

induce a response

Focuses on persuading or causing a response, implying a more controlled initiation than the spontaneous implication of sparking.

foment a reaction

Emphasizes the active stirring up of a reaction, often negative, contrasting the more neutral initiation of sparking.

give rise to a reaction

Highlights causing the reaction to begin or emerge. Differs by adding several words.

FAQs

What does "spark a reaction" mean?

It means to cause a sudden and noticeable response or reaction, often emotional or physical.

What can I say instead of "spark a reaction"?

You can use alternatives like "trigger a response", "elicit a response", or "provoke a reaction" depending on the context.

Is "spark a reaction" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts, but more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or business settings.

How to use "spark a reaction" in a sentence?

Example: The controversial art installation "sparked a reaction" among visitors, leading to heated debates.