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引发社会争议 (trigger social controversy)

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression / verbal phrase

neutral / formal

How it works

This is a verbal phrase where '引发' (yǐnfā) acts as the verb meaning 'to trigger' or 'to cause', and '社会争议' (shèhuì zhēngyì) is its object, meaning 'social controversy'. It describes an action or event that leads to widespread public debate or disagreement. It can be used with a subject (e.g., '某事件引发社会争议') or without a clear subject when describing the nature of an event.

Sample sentences

这项新政策可能会引发社会争议。

This new policy might trigger social controversy.

他的言论引发了广泛的社会争议。

His remarks sparked widespread social controversy.

媒体的报道引发社会争议后，政府不得不出面回应。

After the media's report triggered social controversy, the government had to step forward and respond.

Quick facts

structure:Verb + Noun Phrase. '引发' is often used for causing significant or widespread effects, especially negative or problematic ones like controversy or discussion, rather than simple actions.

components:引发 (yǐnfā): to trigger, to cause, to arouse; 社会 (shèhuì): society, social; 争议 (zhēngyì): controversy, dispute.

Often used with

引起争议 (yǐnqǐ zhēngyì) - cause controversy

引起公众关注 (yǐnqǐ gōngzhòng guānzhù) - draw public attention

导致社会不满 (dǎozhì shèhuì búmǎn) - lead to social discontent

激起民愤 (jīqǐ mínfèn) - arouse public indignation

引发讨论 (yǐnfā tǎolùn) - trigger discussion

Mnemonic

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Example

这项新政策可能会引发社会争议。

This new policy might trigger social controversy.

他的言论引发了广泛的社会争议。

His remarks sparked widespread social controversy.