activates

USAGE SUMMARY

"activates" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action which brings something into effect or starts a process. For example: "Pressing the switch activates the motor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, a drug like pilocarpine not only activates the constrictor muscle but actively inhibits the dilator.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the time of world-manifestation the active principle, rajas, becomes predominant and activates the other two principles.

SEP

At the neuromuscular junction, approximately 20,000 univalent ions carry the charge across a single activated channel, and a quantum of acetylcholine activates about 1,500 channels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Currently legal in both the U.K. and the U.S., the leaves can be eaten or smoked and feature an active ingredient known as salvinorin A, which activates specific nerve cell receptors.

Britannica

This regulon controls the bacteria's defences against antibiotics.When E. coli senses a dangerous chemical, a protein called MarA activates this regulon, which is known as Mar because its activation confers "multiple antibiotic resistance".

The Economist

"It's as if the brain perceives the world as threatening and activates this defensive response before there are actually any microbes or injuries there.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Honourable intentions have to be supported by what Herbert Gladstone, the Liberal chief whip, speaking about women's suffrage, called 'the force majeure which activates and arms'.

The Guardian - Opinion

Resveratrol activates sirtuins, and some similar molecules activate them much more.

The Economist

The production of activator CREB is stimulated by PKA (itself regulated by cyclic AMP) and the CREB, in turn, activates the genes that seem to be important for forming long-term memories.

The Economist

When glucocorticoid binds to its receptor in the hippocampus, that activates the expression of genes which dampen further synthesis of the hormone.

The Economist

In other words, a cancer has started.The mutant BRAF protein activates another protein, called ERK.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "activates" to describe a specific action that sets something in motion, whether it's a physical mechanism, a biological process, or a digital function. For variety, consider synonyms like "triggers" or "initiates" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "activates" in technical documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "enables", "triggers", or "initiates" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "activates" is as a transitive verb in the third-person singular present tense. It indicates that a subject performs an action that brings something else into being or sets it in motion. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "activates" is a grammatically correct and frequently used transitive verb that signifies initiating or triggering a process. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a wide range of contexts, from scientific explanations to news reports. While versatile, it's most common in news, encyclopedic content, and scientific discussions. To enhance writing, consider synonyms such as "triggers" or "initiates" to avoid repetition. Remember that "activates" is the third-person singular form and should be used with singular subjects. Overall, it's a reliable term for describing actions that set things in motion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

triggers

This alternative focuses on initiating a sudden or forceful action or event.

initiates

This alternative emphasizes the starting or beginning of a process or action.

sets off

Similar to triggers but often implies a chain reaction or sequence of events.

prompts

Highlights the action of encouraging or causing something to happen.

induces

This suggests the action of persuading or influencing something to occur.

sparks

Emphasizes a sudden burst or beginning, often implying energy or excitement.

causes

A more direct and general term for making something happen.

generates

Focuses on the production or creation of something as a result.

starts

A simple and common way to indicate the beginning of an action or process.

enables

Highlights the action of making something possible or functional.

FAQs

How to use "activates" in a sentence?

The word "activates" is used to describe an action that starts or sets something in motion. For example, "Pressing the button activates the alarm system" or "Sunlight activates photosynthesis in plants".

What can I say instead of "activates"?

You can use alternatives like "triggers", "initiates", "sets off", or "prompts" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Which is correct, "activates" or "activate"?

"Activates" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "activate". Use "activates" when the subject is singular (e.g., "The sensor activates the light"). Use "activate" for other forms (e.g., "I activate", "they activate").

What's the difference between "activates" and "stimulates"?

"Activates" generally implies setting something in motion or making it functional. "Stimulates" suggests encouraging growth, development, or activity. For example, a key activates a machine, while caffeine stimulates the nervous system.