What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instigating
Example
The group was accused of instigating the riot. [instigating: verb]
Example
She was responsible for instigating the new project. [instigating: gerund or present participle]
inciting
Example
The politician was charged with inciting violence during the protest. [inciting: verb]
Example
The article incited a lot of anger among readers. [incited: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Instigate is more commonly used than incite in everyday language, and it is more versatile in terms of contexts in which it can be used.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between instigating and inciting?
Both instigate and incite are formal words, but incite may be considered more formal due to its association with legal and criminal contexts.
