a trigger for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trigger for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that causes a certain reaction or response. Here are two examples: - The smell of freshly baked cookies was always a trigger for Sarah's childhood memories. - Social media can be a trigger for feelings of insecurity and self-doubt in some individuals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That was a trigger for us," Dr. Lennon said.

The New York Times

Has there been a trigger for this protest?

Independent

"It's just a trigger for me," Chamberlain said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Stress in someone's life can become a trigger for depression," Mr. Boone explains.

The New York Times

Still, low blood pressure is also a trigger for clotting strokes.

The New York Times - Health

One seismic event was a trigger for another earthquake 13 years later.

The Guardian - Opinion

A 40% share of any market is often a trigger for regulators to intervene.

The Guardian - Business

It's a hard-wired reaction, a green light, a trigger for fight or flight.

The Guardian - Music

Mold is also widely acknowledged to be a trigger for asthma attacks.

The New York Times

"The sound of birds is a trigger for me, but in a good sense".

The Guardian

His end is not quite the expected coming together but, instead, a trigger for memory.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like trauma or mental health, be mindful of your audience and use "a trigger for" with sensitivity and awareness.

Common error

While "a trigger for" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it in casual conversation, as it can trivialize its significance in discussions of trauma or mental health. Opt for alternatives like "cause" or "reason" in less serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trigger for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition, indicating a cause or stimulus that initiates a specific reaction or event. As shown in Ludwig AI, it connects an action or stimulus to its consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

37%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a trigger for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote something that initiates a reaction or event. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts such as News & Media and Science. While generally neutral, it's important to use this phrase mindfully, especially when discussing sensitive topics like trauma or mental health. Consider alternatives like "cause" or "reason" in less serious contexts to avoid trivializing its significance. The phrase maintains a neutral register and functions to pinpoint the origin of specific responses, making it an essential term for accurate and meaningful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause of

Focuses on the origin or reason behind an event or situation, lacking the sense of activation.

a catalyst for

Implies an agent that speeds up or initiates a reaction or event, often in a more figurative sense.

a reason for

Indicates a justification or explanation for something, rather than a direct instigator.

an impetus for

Suggests a driving force or motivation behind an action or event.

a stimulus for

Highlights something that provokes or encourages a response or activity.

a spark for

Implies something that ignites or initiates a sudden or significant event.

a basis for

Refers to the underlying foundation or support for something, without necessarily causing it directly.

a starting point for

Indicates the initial stage or beginning of a process or activity.

a precedent for

Establishes a pattern or example that justifies similar subsequent actions or decisions.

an incentive for

Provides a motivation or encouragement to take a particular action.

FAQs

How can I use "a trigger for" in a sentence?

You can use "a trigger for" to indicate something that initiates or causes a reaction. For example, "The loud noise was "a trigger for" the dog's anxiety".

What are some alternatives to "a trigger for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a cause of", "a catalyst for", or "a reason for".

Is it appropriate to use "a trigger for" in all situations?

While grammatically correct, consider the sensitivity of the topic. In casual contexts, alternatives may be more appropriate, reserving "a trigger for" for situations where it accurately describes a stimulus-response relationship, particularly in discussions about trauma or mental health.

What is the difference between "a trigger for" and "a cause of"?

"A trigger for" often implies a more immediate and direct reaction, while ""a cause of"" can refer to a broader, underlying reason. A trigger initiates a specific response, whereas a cause can be a more general origin.