stir up

USAGE SUMMARY

"stir up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe stirring up something that was previously in a very inactive state (e.g. "Their comments stirred up the room").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She would stir up trouble.

The New Yorker

One hymn began, "Stir up this stu, stir up this stu, stir up this stupid heart of mine".

The Economist

WHALES seem to stir up strong feelings.

The Economist

Nothing so slippery can stir up indignation.

The New Yorker

SMFG may soon stir up more trouble.

The Economist

They try to stir up trouble.

The Guardian

That could stir up more problems.

The Washington Post

It tries to stir up controversy.

The Guardian

New Name wants to stir up attention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Sharapova stirring it up after the Rolling Stone stir-up.

The New York Times - Sports

Being alone can stir-up sexual thoughts in your mind.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stir up" to describe the act of causing activity, interest, or strong feelings, particularly when something was previously dormant or subdued.

Common error

Avoid using "stir up" when a more neutral verb like "create" or "develop" would be more appropriate. "Stir up" often implies a degree of disruption or strong emotion, which may not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stir up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, indicating its role in initiating or intensifying a state or emotion. Examples show it used to describe creating trouble, excitement, or controversy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "stir up" is a versatile expression that means to cause or incite something, often trouble, interest, or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it carries a connotation of disruption, making it less suitable for highly formal contexts. Consider synonyms like "incite" or "generate" for more precise communication. Be mindful of overuse and ensure that "stir up" accurately reflects the intended level of disruption or emotional intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incite

Focuses on prompting or urging action, often of a negative or disruptive nature.

instigate

Emphasizes the initiation or commencement of an action or event, often with planning.

provoke

Highlights the act of deliberately causing a reaction, often anger or irritation.

arouse

Indicates the awakening or stimulation of feelings, emotions, or interest.

foment

Suggests the nurturing or promotion of discord or trouble.

agitate

Implies causing disturbance or excitement, often in a public or political context.

excite

Focuses on generating enthusiasm or eagerness.

trigger

Indicates the act of initiating a process or reaction, often something automatic or unintended.

spark

Suggests the creation of a sudden burst of activity or emotion.

generate

Focuses on the creation or production of something, whether it be interest, controversy, or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "stir up" to indicate causing trouble, excitement, or activity. For example, "The article stirred up a lot of controversy", or "Let's "stir up some excitement" for the event".

What does "stir up" mean?

"Stir up" means to cause or incite something, such as trouble, interest, or strong emotions. It often implies that something was previously inactive or subdued.

What are some synonyms for "stir up"?

Synonyms for "stir up" include "incite", "instigate", "provoke", and "arouse". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "stir up" or a more formal alternative in professional writing?

While "stir up" is commonly used, consider more formal alternatives like "generate" or "initiate" in professional writing if you want to avoid implying disruption or strong emotion. For example, instead of "stir up interest", you could say "generate interest".