this has provoked

USAGE SUMMARY

"this has provoked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to show that something has caused a reaction or has led to an unexpected consequence. For example: "The news of rising unemployment has provoked widespread worry among the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

This has provoked a few lurid headlines.

The Economist

This has provoked no shortage of ire.

The Economist

In some quarters, this has provoked hostility.

The Guardian - Opinion

This has provoked a strong counteroffensive from Saudi Arabia.

The New York Times

This has provoked another, more severe chill in relations.

The Economist

All of this has provoked something that transcends outrage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

This scenario has provoked outrage, not least on this site.

The Guardian - Film

This observation has provoked interest in the signals that drive this increase in beta cell mass in the hope that the same signals might be harnessed to foster beta cell regeneration in humans with diabetes [ 6].

Diabetologia

This proposal has provoked a storm of criticism in Congress.

The New York Times

"This anniversary has provoked a lot of questions from young Germans.

The Guardian

The scarcity of fiction films about Sept. 11 only partly explains why this movie has provoked debate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this has provoked" to clearly indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, especially when the effect is a notable reaction or consequence. Ensure the context makes it clear what "this" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "this has provoked" for minor or insignificant reactions. The phrase implies a significant and noticeable response, so ensure the context warrants such a strong term. A weaker term might be better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this has provoked" functions as a causative construction. It indicates that a preceding event or situation (represented by "this") has directly led to a specific reaction or consequence. As Ludwig AI states, it shows something caused a reaction or unexpected consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this has provoked" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a direct cause-and-effect relationship, where a preceding event has led to a noticeable reaction or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure that the reaction is significant enough to warrant such a strong term. Alternatives like "this has triggered" or "this has led to" can be used to convey slightly different nuances. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively communicate cause-and-effect relationships in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this has triggered

Focuses on the initiating aspect, implying a quick and direct cause-and-effect relationship.

this has sparked

Suggests a sudden and often energetic reaction or beginning of something.

this has generated

Emphasizes the creation or production of a result or outcome.

this has instigated

Implies a deliberate or intentional action leading to a particular result.

this has elicited

Highlights the drawing out or evoking of a response from someone or something.

this has caused

A more direct and general way of indicating causation.

this has incited

Suggests stirring up strong feelings, often leading to conflict or unrest.

this has given rise to

Emphasizes the creation or emergence of something new as a result.

this has led to

Indicates a sequence of events where one thing directly results in another.

this has brought about

Focuses on the action of causing something to happen or exist.

FAQs

How to use "this has provoked" in a sentence?

Use "this has provoked" to show that a specific action, event, or statement has led to a particular reaction or consequence. For example, "The new policy "this has provoked" widespread criticism."

What can I say instead of "this has provoked"?

You can use alternatives like "this has triggered", "this has sparked", or "this has led to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the cause-and-effect relationship.

Which is correct, "this has provoked" or "this provoked"?

"This has provoked" is the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. "This provoked" is the simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past. The choice depends on whether the effect is still ongoing.

What's the difference between "this has provoked" and "this caused"?

While both indicate causation, "this has provoked" often implies a more reactive or emotional response. "This caused" is a more general and neutral way of indicating that something resulted from something else. For example: "The debate "this has provoked" a lot of anger among the voters" VS. "The rain "this has caused" the river to flood."