spark outrage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spark outrage" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to cause anger or shock in people. Example: The politician's insensitive comments quickly sparked outrage among the public, leading to calls for her resignation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Her comments immediately spark outrage.

The Guardian

He says: "Under the banner headline 'Hymnigrants – BBC BLASthe', the Sun reported: 'BBC Chiefs spark outrage'.

The Guardian

The facts of these killings should have been enough to spark outrage and action.

The New Yorker

Under the headline "Hymnigrants – BBC BLASTED", the Sun reported: "BBC chiefs spark outrage".

The Guardian - Opinion

If Cathy Come Home shocked people to their core, the fact that it is played out in real people's lives in 2015 and 2016 should spark outrage.

The Guardian

Just one politician – America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani – has tried in earnest to spark outrage over a contemporary exhibit, but his efforts were met with boredom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

But just because something sparks outrage doesn't mean that it is outrageous.

The New Yorker

— Trump sparks outrage.

The Washington Post

The Azizabad raid sparked outrage within Afghanistan.

The New York Times

The incidents have sparked outrage in Australia.

The Guardian

That sparked outrage from Labor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spark outrage" to describe events or actions that cause a sudden and widespread feeling of anger and moral shock. It is particularly effective when discussing public reactions to controversial news or policy decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "spark outrage" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is a relatively strong phrase that is best suited for describing significant public reactions to serious issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark outrage" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something causes a sudden and intense feeling of anger, shock, or indignation. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a grammatically correct construction. It is often used to describe public reactions to controversial events, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spark outrage" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as verified by Ludwig AI, primarily found in news and media contexts. It effectively communicates the action of causing sudden and widespread anger or shock. While it's appropriate for neutral to professional registers, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Related phrases include "ignite fury" and "trigger indignation", offering nuances in intensity and formality. When writing, remember that "spark outrage" is best used to describe significant public reactions to serious issues, avoiding casual or trivial applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir up fury

A more active and emphatic way of describing the cause of anger.

ignite fury

Emphasizes a sudden and intense burst of anger, similar to "spark outrage" but with a focus on immediate, powerful emotion.

trigger indignation

Highlights a sense of righteous anger and moral offense, making it a slightly more formal alternative to "spark outrage".

cause uproar

Suggests a noisy and public display of anger and protest, similar to sparking a widespread reaction of outrage.

provoke anger

A more direct and less emphatic way of saying "spark outrage", focusing on the act of causing anger.

elicit disapproval

Focuses on evoking a negative judgment or condemnation, rather than intense anger.

incite resentment

Highlights the stirring up of bitter indignation or ill will, rather than a sudden burst of anger.

generate controversy

Focuses on the creation of public debate and disagreement, which may or may not involve outrage.

arouse animosity

Emphasizes the stirring up of strong dislike or hostility, rather than a specific reaction of outrage.

foster discontent

Highlights the cultivation of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, potentially leading to outrage but not necessarily.

FAQs

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

You can use "spark outrage" to describe an action or event that causes a strong negative reaction. For example, "The company's decision to lay off workers sparked outrage among employees and the community."

What can I say instead of "spark outrage"?

You can use alternatives like "provoke anger", "incite fury", or "trigger indignation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "spark outrage" or "sparking outrage"?

"Spark outrage" is correct when used as a verb phrase to describe the action of causing outrage. "Sparking outrage" can be used as a gerund or participle, for example, "The politician's speech, sparking outrage, led to widespread protests."

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

"Spark outrage" suggests a more immediate and intense reaction, while "cause outrage" is a more general term for creating feelings of anger and shock. "Spark" implies a sudden ignition of strong emotion.