be triggered

USAGE SUMMARY

"be triggered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that causes an emotional reaction or physical response. For example, "The smell of my mother's cooking always triggers fond memories from childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore a byelection will inevitably be triggered".

The Guardian

And it will be triggered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Breeding appears to be triggered by rainfall.

Cornell University

That could be triggered very soon.

The Guardian - Tech

Quick movements could be triggered with small amounts of volume.

Harvard University

It can be triggered by something minor — even a sneeze.

Harvard University

This warning may also be triggered by product=T_GAIN.

Harvard University

If you ran away every time, that will be triggered".

The Guardian

But why should the fits be triggered now, at college?

The New Yorker

The mechanism could only be triggered once a day.

The Guardian - Business

The condition can also be triggered by faulty inherited genes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject of the sentence clearly identifies what is being triggered and what is causing the trigger. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be triggered" lightly in everyday conversation to describe mild annoyance or preferences. Overuse can dilute its impact and trivialize genuine experiences of those affected by trauma or mental health conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be triggered" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that a subject is acted upon, resulting in an action or state being initiated. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be triggered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that describes the initiation of a reaction or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, science, and academia, as shown by Ludwig's examples. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration of its potential emotional impact is advisable, especially when discussing sensitive subjects. To enhance clarity and avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "be activated" or "be initiated" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be activated

Focuses on the state of being made active or operational.

be initiated

Emphasizes the commencement or beginning of a process or event.

be set off

Implies a sudden or abrupt start, often with a sense of cause and effect.

be sparked

Suggests a sudden ignition or incitement of something, often an emotion or reaction.

be prompted

Highlights the act of urging or encouraging something to happen.

be caused

Directly indicates causation, emphasizing that something has led to the event.

be brought about

Focuses on the action of causing something to occur or exist.

be provoked

Implies that something has been deliberately done to elicit a reaction.

be stimulated

Suggests an external influence that activates or encourages something.

be induced

Refers to the act of persuading or influencing something to happen, often in a scientific context.

FAQs

How can I use "be triggered" in a sentence?

You can use "be triggered" to describe something that initiates a reaction or response. For example, "The alarm will "be triggered" if motion is detected."

What are some alternatives to using "be triggered"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be activated", "be initiated", or "be set off".

Is it appropriate to use "be triggered" in all contexts?

While grammatically correct, using "be triggered" may not be appropriate in all situations, especially when referring to sensitive topics. Consider your audience and the potential impact of your words.

What's the difference between "be triggered" and "be affected"?

"Be triggered" implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship, often related to a specific stimulus. "Be affected" is a broader term that indicates influence or impact without necessarily implying a direct trigger.