are triggered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are triggered by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response or reaction that is initiated by a specific cause or event. Example: "The symptoms of the allergy are triggered by exposure to pollen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes they are triggered by the intellect.

The New York Times - Books

The ideas are triggered by the world".

The Guardian - Film

Commonly, manic depressive episodes are triggered by a single event.

The Guardian

Admittedly, the majority of breakups are triggered by the clubs.

The Guardian - Sport

Some are triggered by petty rows over queuing for food or the toilet, or over privacy.

The Guardian

All those clips are triggered by me during the show and have been edited carefully.

The New Yorker

Women (or girls) succumb more than men, and symptoms are triggered by seeing someone else affected.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Such avalanches are triggered by explosives, for instance, before opening a ski trail each morning.

The New York Times - Tech

It's just that the sprinklers in the building are triggered by cigarette smoke.

The Guardian - Film

Even the passions or emotions are triggered by similar mechanisms.

SEP

[1] There is a large academic debate on how many bankruptcies are triggered by medical debt.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are triggered by" to clearly indicate a cause-and-effect relationship where a specific event or condition initiates a response or reaction. For example, "Allergies are triggered by pollen" is clear and direct.

Common error

Avoid using "are triggered by" when describing voluntary or intentional actions. The phrase implies an involuntary response. For instance, instead of saying "The decision was triggered by the CEO's whim", use "The decision was made due to the CEO's whim."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are triggered by" functions as a passive verb construction indicating causation. It highlights that certain events, reactions, or processes are initiated or activated by a specific stimulus or cause. Ludwig shows several examples in news, science and more.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are triggered by" is a versatile and commonly used passive construction that clearly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. Its frequent presence in science, news, and media highlights its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that you are describing an involuntary response or reaction and that the context aligns with the idea of something being initiated by a specific cause. Alternatives such as "are caused by" or "are initiated by" can be used to vary your writing while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are caused by

This alternative uses a more direct causal verb, indicating a clear cause-and-effect relationship. It's a simpler way to express the same idea.

are initiated by

This phrase suggests a starting action or process resulting from a specific cause, highlighting the beginning of an event or reaction.

are prompted by

This alternative emphasizes the act of urging or encouraging something to happen, indicating a less forceful cause.

are activated by

This phrase is suitable when describing a process or system that becomes functional or operative due to a specific stimulus.

are set off by

This suggests a sudden or abrupt start due to a cause, often implying a chain reaction or immediate consequence.

are brought about by

This option emphasizes the process of causing something to happen, often implying a more complex or gradual causation.

result from

This phrase focuses on the outcome or consequence, directly stating that something is a result of a specific cause.

stem from

This implies that something originates or develops from a particular source or cause, often used for underlying or fundamental reasons.

arise from

This phrase indicates that something emerges or originates from a particular source or situation, often implying a natural or spontaneous development.

are sparked by

This suggests that something is ignited or initiated by a specific event or idea, often implying a sudden and energetic start.

FAQs

How can I use "are triggered by" in a sentence?

Use "are triggered by" to describe an action or reaction that is initiated by a specific cause or event. For example, "The alarm systems "are activated by" motion sensors."

What can I say instead of "are triggered by"?

You can use alternatives like "are caused by", "are initiated by", or "are prompted by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "events are triggered by stress"?

Yes, that is a grammatically correct sentence. It explains that stress causes those events to start or happen.

What's the difference between "are triggered by" and "are influenced by"?

"Are triggered by" implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship, where the trigger initiates a specific response. "Are influenced by" suggests a more subtle or indirect effect, where something is shaped or modified but not necessarily started by the influence.