start a revolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start a revolution" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to initiate or instigate significant change or upheaval in society or a particular aspect of society. Example: The young activist group was determined to start a revolution against the corrupt government. They organized protests, petitions, and social media campaigns to spread their message and gain support from the public. Eventually, their efforts paid off and they were able to bring about meaningful change in the country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To start a revolution!

The Guardian - Music

I'm going to start a revolution.

The New York Times

Eric Harris wanted to start a revolution.

The New Yorker

Are you ready to start a revolution?

The Guardian

"It's the perfect place to start a revolution," he wrote.

The New York Times

Man 2 "Get on Twitter, start a revolution".

The Guardian

He is not out to start a revolution.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, we have learned that it is easier to start a revolution than to finish one.

The New York Times

"I want to start a revolution with my pictures," she said.

The New York Times

He discovered music could "incite a riot, an emotion, start a revolution".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What if the e-book doesn't jump-start a revolution?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start a revolution" when you want to emphasize a fundamental shift or upheaval in a system, belief, or way of life. Ensure the context clearly indicates what kind of revolution is being initiated (e.g., a technological revolution, a social revolution).

Common error

Avoid using "start a revolution" to describe minor changes or personal preferences. This can diminish the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start a revolution" functions as a verb phrase, where 'start' is the main verb and 'a revolution' is the direct object. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts to express the commencement of significant change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start a revolution" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression signifying the initiation of significant change or upheaval. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Academia. While it can be tempting to use it figuratively, especially in marketing, it's best reserved for contexts where the change being described is truly transformative to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "ignite a rebellion" or "spark a movement" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

launch an uprising

Similar to 'rebellion' but can also refer to a more general movement.

ignite a rebellion

Implies a more forceful and potentially violent uprising.

trigger a revolt

Emphasizes the spontaneous and reactive nature of the uprising.

spark a movement

Suggests a less violent, more social or political change.

initiate a transformation

Focuses on a fundamental shift, not necessarily through conflict.

catalyze a change

Highlights the role of accelerating or enabling a change that was already brewing.

kickstart a transformation

Suggests giving initial energy and resources to change.

foment dissent

Focuses on stirring up discontent as a precursor to action.

instigate reform

Refers to initiating specific improvements, often within existing systems.

pioneer a new era

Suggests a significant, positive change, leading to a new period.

FAQs

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

You can use "start a revolution" to describe initiating significant change. For example: "The artist's bold new style aimed to "start a revolution" in the art world".

What's the difference between "start a revolution" and "start a movement"?

"Start a revolution" implies a more radical and complete overturning of existing structures, while "start a movement" suggests a broader, potentially less confrontational effort to bring about change.

Which is correct: "start a revolution" or "begin a revolution"?

Both ""start a revolution"" and "begin a revolution" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Start" is generally more common and informal.

What can I say instead of "start a revolution"?

You can use alternatives like "ignite a rebellion", "launch an uprising", or "spark a movement" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.