spark controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

"spark controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when an event, opinion, or statement has caused public disagreement or debate. For example, "The government's policy change on immigration has sparked controversy among the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The multiplier continues to spark controversy.

The New Yorker

He is not afraid to spark controversy".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Henderson's return is sure to spark controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

The film's premise alone was enough to spark controversy.

The New Yorker

Whether he intended to spark controversy remains open-ended.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ishihara continued to spark controversy during his tenure as governor.

Britannica

Doubts about the causes continue to spark controversy.

The Guardian

Share your opinions and ideas, including those that may spark controversy.

WikiHow

He continued to spark controversy in 2010 when he supported Laurent Gbagbo in Ivory Coast.

The Guardian

Ghaffur said he realised his comments would spark controversy, but added: 'I was a refugee.

The Guardian

If Dean's officiating should spark controversy again, it seems Bilic will not be afraid to take him to task.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spark controversy" when you want to emphasize the initiation of a public disagreement or debate as a direct result of a specific action, statement, or event.

Common error

Avoid using "spark controversy" when the situation involves minor disagreements or discussions that don't escalate into widespread public debate. Instead, use milder terms like "generate discussion" or "raise questions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark controversy" functions as a verb phrase, where "spark" acts as a transitive verb taking "controversy" as its direct object. Ludwig's examples show how it is used to describe something that initiates or ignites public disagreement. The Ludwig AI confirms it is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spark controversy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the initiation of public disagreement or debate. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic settings. The phrase emphasizes the role of a specific event, statement, or action in igniting contention. While alternatives like "ignite controversy" or "stir up controversy" exist, "spark controversy" maintains a neutral register and effectively conveys the sudden onset of public debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ignite controversy

Similar meaning, focusing on the sudden and intense onset of the controversy.

stir up controversy

Emphasizes the act of actively provoking or instigating controversy.

trigger controversy

Highlights the role of a specific event or action as the cause of the controversy.

generate controversy

Focuses on creating or producing controversy as an outcome.

provoke debate

Implies stimulating discussion, which may or may not be contentious.

fuel disagreement

Highlights the intensification of pre-existing disagreements.

incite dispute

Suggests a stronger, more aggressive instigation of conflict.

fan the flames of controversy

Emphasizes the act of intensifying an existing controversy.

raise a storm

More figurative, indicating a significant and turbulent reaction.

create a furor

Focuses on the public outburst and excitement caused by the event.

FAQs

How to use "spark controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "spark controversy" to describe an action or statement that causes public disagreement. For example, "The politician's remarks about immigration "sparked controversy" nationwide."

What can I say instead of "spark controversy"?

You can use alternatives like "ignite controversy", "stir up controversy", or "trigger controversy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "spark controversy" or "spark a controversy"?

"Spark controversy" is more commonly used. "Spark a controversy" isn't incorrect, but it's less frequent. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "spark controversy" and "cause controversy"?

"Spark controversy" emphasizes the initiation or sudden onset of the disagreement, while "cause controversy" is a more general term indicating that something led to the disagreement.