a trigger for guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trigger for guilt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes or provokes feelings of guilt in someone. Example: "The constant reminders of her past mistakes acted as a trigger for guilt, making it difficult for her to move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

[Immigration] is a trigger for me.

Vice

This is a trigger for her.

HuffPost

Is there a trigger for the thought?

WikiHow

(Not to mention a cause for guilt and resentment.

The New York Times

This isn't a call for guilt, or even abrupt change, but for mindfulness.

TechCrunch

Smell is a big trigger for me.

The New Yorker

There is a lot of leeway for guilt and emotional manipulation in these discussions.

WikiHow

A sure fire trigger for me.

Huffington Post

Fear foods typically trigger intense guilt and shame for people in eating disorder recovery.

HuffPost

For some people, eating a cheat meal may trigger feelings of guilt or shame, even if you've planned for it and ate it the way you wanted to.

Huffington Post

Was that the trigger for a killing?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a trigger for guilt", consider the intensity of the emotion you're describing. "Trigger" implies a strong, almost involuntary reaction.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the word "trigger" in contexts where a simpler word like "cause" or "reason" would be more appropriate. Overuse can dilute the impact of the word when describing significant emotional responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trigger for guilt" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies something that initiates or intensifies a feeling of guilt. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a trigger for guilt" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that identifies something causing feelings of guilt. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it's not an extremely common phrase, appearing "Rare"ly in the analyzed data, it is found in diverse contexts such as "News & Media" and "Wiki". Its meaning is straightforward, referring to the source or cause of guilt. For alternative expressions, you might consider phrases such as "cause of guilt" or "source of guilt", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, be mindful of the strength of the emotion implied by "trigger" and avoid overusing the term in contexts where simpler language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause of guilt

Replaces "trigger" with a more direct term for causation.

source of guilt

Similar to "cause", but emphasizes origin rather than direct causation.

reason for guilt

Focuses on the rationale behind the feeling of guilt.

basis for guilt

Highlights the underlying foundation upon which guilt is built.

antecedent of guilt

A more formal term for something that precedes and causes guilt.

stimulus for guilt

Emphasizes the external factor that provokes the feeling.

catalyst for guilt

Highlights the accelerating effect on the feeling of guilt.

the wellspring of guilt

This phrase uses a more literary term to indicate origin of guilt

inducement to guilt

Shifts focus to the act of prompting or persuading someone to feel guilty.

pretext for guilt

Suggests a superficial or false reason used to justify feelings of guilt.

FAQs

What does "a trigger for guilt" mean?

The phrase "a trigger for guilt" refers to something that instigates or activates feelings of guilt. It's similar to saying something is "a cause of guilt" or "a source of guilt".

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

You can use "a trigger for guilt" to describe something that prompts or intensifies feelings of guilt. For instance, "The anniversary of the accident was a trigger for guilt."

Are there any synonyms for "a trigger for guilt"?

Yes, you can use phrases such as "cause of guilt", "source of guilt", or "reason for guilt" as alternatives.

Is it appropriate to use "a trigger for guilt" in formal writing?

Yes, "a trigger for guilt" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might opt for a more direct synonym like "cause of guilt" to maintain a professional tone.