start a controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start a controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or statements that provoke public disagreement or debate. Example: "The politician's remarks were intended to start a controversy, drawing attention to the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I don't want to start a controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I'm not in here to start a controversy or anything.

The New York Times - Sports

Although this appeared to be a victory it merely taught the coal operators to skip and like Jink Ray's rather than start a controversy that could stir up pressure for stricter regulations or could get somebody shot.

The New Yorker

An attorney for the school board, Linwood Gunn, says schools officials never intended to start a controversy with the stickers.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Case in point: the chronicle of Saffron Road, a halal food brand on the shelves of Whole Foods that started a controversy.

The New York Times

You know you've started a controversy – a proper old-fashioned Straw Dogs-y hoo-hah – when your film is attacked by people who refuse to see it.

Independent

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Eight minutes into the most recent game between the Jets and Indianapolis — long before the Colts pulled their starters and started a controversy — a 30-year-old reserve Jets linebacker named Bryan Thomas blocked an extra point.

The New York Times - Sports

After a lawsuit with a moneylender, and quarrels with prominent noblemen, he started a controversy with Maupertuis (the president of Frederick's academy of science, the Berlin Academy) on scientific matters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the Orthodox church the Confession started a controversy that culminated in 1672 in a convocation by Dosítheos, patriarch of Jerusalem, of a church council that repudiated all Calvinist doctrines and reformulated Orthodox teachings in a manner intended to distinguish them from both Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the players that was not retained by the team, Matt Bradley, started a controversy with his comments from a radio interview in Ottawa.

Wikipedia

"I'm not trying to start a quarterback controversy and say who the quarterback is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start a controversy", consider the potential impact and ethical implications of initiating a public disagreement. Be prepared to support your claims with evidence and engage in respectful dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "start a controversy" when a milder term like "initiate a discussion" or "raise awareness" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing seem sensationalist or inflammatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start a controversy" functions as a verb phrase, where "start" is the main verb and "a controversy" is the direct object. It describes the act of initiating a public dispute or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start a controversy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes initiating a public disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and although it carries a neutral tone, it's important to consider the impact and ethics of using the expression, as controversies can be sensitive. Alternatives such as "spark a discussion" or "initiate a debate" can be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ignite a controversy

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful beginning of the controversy.

spark a controversy

Suggests a sudden and often unexpected beginning of a controversy.

trigger a controversy

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, where something specific initiates the controversy.

incite a controversy

Implies a deliberate action intended to provoke a controversy.

stir up a controversy

Suggests that the controversy already existed in some form but was brought to the surface.

generate a controversy

Focuses on the creation or production of a controversy.

provoke a controversy

Highlights the act of causing a controversy, often unintentionally.

fuel a controversy

Implies that a controversy already exists and something is added to make it stronger.

foment a controversy

Suggests deliberately instigating a controversy, often with a negative connotation.

initiate a controversy

Formally indicates the beginning of a controversy.

FAQs

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

You can use "start a controversy" to describe an action that initiates public disagreement. For example, "The politician's statement threatened to "start a controversy"."

What's a less inflammatory alternative to "start a controversy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "initiate a debate", "spark a discussion", or "raise awareness".

Is it always negative to "start a controversy"?

Not necessarily. While controversies often involve conflict, they can also lead to important discussions and positive change. The intention and the context are key.

What's the difference between ""start a controversy"" and "fuel a controversy"?

""start a controversy"" means to initiate a new controversy, while "fuel a controversy" means to make an existing controversy more intense or widespread.