stir emotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stir emotion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of evoking feelings or feelings in someone, often in the context of art, literature, or speeches. Example: "The film's powerful soundtrack was able to stir emotion in the audience, leaving many in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

While competitors' ads show their machines' features, he said, "our purpose is to stir emotion".

The New York Times

But to many of its customers, the Hummer is the first American car to stir emotion in decades.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Giuliani used Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Democrat of New York, as the foil to stir emotion.

The New York Times

What keeps it alive is not the trickle of private customers, but the opportunity to express the vision and stir emotion for a vast public.

The New York Times

But it is the job of a news report to convey the facts as clearly as possible, not to use language purely to stir emotion.

The New York Times

Tunes such as Bamboleo by The Gypsy Kings continue to stir emotion and passion when played in numerous bars and clubs around the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The point of good art is to stir emotions.

The New York Times - Arts

DATA releases stir emotions as well as moving markets.

The Economist

They stir emotions and thoughts that the performance did not.

The New York Times

Instead he uses sound to stir emotions that music often provokes.

The New York Times

Debate over the measures consumed the Senate on Wednesday, with speeches from both sides meant to stir emotions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stir emotion" when you want to convey the idea of gently prompting or awakening feelings, especially in the context of art, music, or personal interactions. Consider the intensity and specific nuance you want to convey, and choose related phrases accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "stir emotion" excessively in formal or business writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly sentimental or dramatic. Opt for more neutral terms like "elicit", "generate", or "create" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stir emotion" functions as a verb phrase, where "stir" is the transitive verb and "emotion" is the direct object. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. Its primary grammatical function is to describe the act of evoking or arousing feelings in someone or something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stir emotion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing the act of evoking feelings. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides several examples. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media, and wiki contexts. When choosing related phrases like "evoke emotion" or "arouse emotion", consider the specific nuances you wish to express. While generally appropriate, be mindful of the potential for sounding overly sentimental in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke emotion

Emphasizes bringing an emotion to the surface, similar to "stir", but can imply a gentler touch.

arouse emotion

Implies awakening or exciting an emotion that was previously dormant.

ignite feeling

Suggests a sudden and intense burst of emotion, more dramatic than "stir".

provoke feeling

Focuses on the act of prompting or causing a feeling to arise.

kindle emotion

Suggests a gentle start or nurturing of an emotion, implying care and warmth.

awaken sentiment

Highlights a gentle and reflective stirring of emotion, often related to nostalgia or tenderness.

excite passion

Specifically refers to generating enthusiasm or strong feelings of ardor.

inspire emotion

Focuses on generating feelings of creativity, motivation, or awe.

foster sentiment

Implies cultivation and growth of emotion over time, often associated with care and attention.

generate excitement

Focuses specifically on creating feelings of anticipation and enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "stir emotion" in a sentence?

You can use "stir emotion" to describe something that evokes feelings, such as "The music was able to "stir emotion" within the audience" or "The artwork aimed to "stir emotion" and reflection".

What are some alternatives to "stir emotion"?

Some alternatives to "stir emotion" include "evoke emotion", "arouse emotion", or "provoke feeling depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "stir emotion" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "stir emotion" may sound too sentimental for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "elicit a response" or "generate interest" in business or academic writing.

What kind of subjects can "stir emotion"?

Various subjects can "stir emotion", including music, art, literature, speeches, personal stories, and even certain events. The key is that they possess the capacity to evoke feelings in the audience.