be triggered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be triggered by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where a specific event or stimulus causes a reaction or response, often in psychological or emotional contexts. Example: "Certain sounds can be triggered by memories of past experiences, leading to unexpected emotional responses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The condition can also be triggered by faulty inherited genes.

The Guardian

Broadcasting can be triggered by simply hitting F6.

The Guardian - Tech

(It may also be triggered by hepatitis A liver infection).

The Economist

Migraine attacks may be triggered by a variety of factors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cluster headaches may be triggered by alcohol consumption or stress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The deal includes an option year for 2007 that will be triggered by games finished.

The New York Times - Sports

It's also not uncommon for alarms to be triggered by animals, she said.

The New York Times

Also, Guillain-Barré can be triggered by both flu itself and by bacteria.

The New York Times

(Vitiligo can arise spontaneously or be inherited; it can also be triggered by bleaching).

The New Yorker

The British would like this process to be triggered by just one country.

The Guardian

It can strike anyone and can be triggered by pneumonia, trauma, surgery, burns, cancer and AIDS.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, use "be triggered by" thoughtfully and consider the potential impact on your audience. Ensure your language is respectful and avoids trivializing the experiences of others.

Common error

Avoid using "be triggered by" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "be caused by" or "be initiated by" would be more appropriate. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be triggered by" functions as a passive construction indicating causation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and describes a situation where a specific event or stimulus causes a reaction or response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be triggered by" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote causation, often with implications of a reaction or response being initiated by a specific stimulus. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and applicable across various domains. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, especially when discussing sensitive topics, to avoid misinterpretations or trivializing experiences. Alternatives like "be activated by" or "be caused by" can offer a more neutral tone when appropriate. The phrase sees frequent usage in News & Media and Science contexts, making it essential to understand its nuances and appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be activated by

Focuses on the action of initiating or setting something in motion.

be initiated by

Emphasizes the starting point or commencement of a process or event.

be prompted by

Suggests that something is encouraged or motivated by a specific factor.

be caused by

Directly indicates a causal relationship where one thing leads to another.

be sparked by

Implies a sudden or dramatic start, often with a sense of energy or excitement.

be set off by

Similar to "be triggered by", but it suggests a chain reaction or a sequence of events.

be elicited by

Highlights the act of drawing out a response or reaction from someone or something.

be generated by

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

be influenced by

Highlights the impact or effect that something has on another.

be determined by

Indicates that something is decided or controlled by a specific factor.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "be triggered by" something else?

When something is "triggered by" something else, it means that the first thing is initiated, caused, or set off by the second thing. It often implies a strong reaction or response. For example, "An allergic reaction can "be triggered by" certain foods".

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

You can use "be triggered by" to describe a cause-and-effect relationship where a specific event or stimulus leads to a particular outcome or reaction. For example, "The security alarm can "be triggered by" movement inside the building".

What are some alternatives to "be triggered by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be activated by", "be initiated by", "be caused by", or "be prompted by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "be triggered by" is grammatically correct, it's often associated with psychological or emotional responses, particularly in the context of trauma. Consider your audience and the potential sensitivity of the topic before using this phrase. In less sensitive contexts, a more neutral phrase like "be caused by" may be more appropriate.