can be triggered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be triggered" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where a specific action or event can initiate a response or reaction. Example: "Certain emotions can be triggered by specific memories or experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Broadcasting can be triggered by simply hitting F6.

The Guardian - Tech

It also has an alarm that can be triggered remotely.

The Guardian - Money

"This vulnerability can be triggered while you sleep.

Independent

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Likes and dislikes can be triggered by random associations and can form in a split second.

The New Yorker

This ability, known as "gathering", can be triggered at any time during combat and used indefinitely.

The Guardian - Tech

"An avalanche can be triggered by a single person," he added.

The Guardian

Alternatively, an election can be triggered if two-thirds of MPs vote to have one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many clawbacks can be triggered by a financial restatement.

Forbes

The listening systems can be triggered by the taxi driver, thereby alerting the dispatch center.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be triggered", ensure the context clearly identifies both the trigger and the resulting action or event. For instance, specify what conditions or actions cause the triggering event to occur.

Common error

Avoid using "can be triggered" without clearly specifying what the trigger is. Ambiguous triggers can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement. Always clarify the specific condition or action that initiates the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be triggered" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for something to be initiated or activated by an external factor. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct and usable nature. The examples provided by Ludwig show its versatile application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be triggered" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to describe the potential for an action or event to initiate a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. Common errors include vague trigger identification, which can be mitigated by clearly specifying the initiating conditions. Alternatives like "can be activated" and "can be initiated" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. With its frequent usage and clear communicative purpose, "can be triggered" is a valuable tool for expressing causality and potential activation mechanisms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be activated

Focuses on the activation aspect, highlighting the switch-on or start of something.

can be initiated

Emphasizes the commencement or starting of a process or event.

can be set off

Suggests a sudden or abrupt start, often implying a reaction or chain of events.

can be sparked

Implies a sudden burst or initiation, often associated with enthusiasm or energy.

can be prompted

Highlights the act of encouraging or causing something to happen.

can be caused

Focuses on the causation aspect, indicating that something results in the event.

can be generated

Suggests the creation or production of something as a result.

can be elicited

Highlights the drawing out or bringing forth of a response or reaction.

can be provoked

Implies a deliberate action to cause a response, often a negative one.

can be unleashed

Suggests the release of something powerful or uncontrollable.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be triggered" to describe how a specific action or event initiates a particular response or reaction. For example, "Anxiety "can be triggered" by external factors".

What are some alternatives to saying "can be triggered"?

You can use alternatives like "can be activated", "can be initiated", or "can be set off" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can become triggered" instead of "can be triggered"?

While "can become triggered" is grammatically understandable, ""can be triggered"" is more concise and commonly used in standard English.

What's the difference between "can be triggered" and "can be caused"?

"Can be triggered" implies a specific action or event initiates a response, while "can be caused" simply indicates that something is the reason for an event, without necessarily implying a direct action.