external stimulus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external stimulus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to psychology, biology, or any field discussing responses to outside factors or influences. Example: "The external stimulus triggered a response in the subject, leading to observable changes in behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In every situation, there is an external stimulus that guides his response..

The Guardian

Perhaps we do not know or cannot recall what external stimulus he was responding to.

The New Yorker

It is the economic equivalent of Viagra, so to speak: what happens when the external stimulus wears off?

The Guardian - Opinion

These chips translate an external stimulus like a sound into an electrical impulse delivered to the brain.

The New York Times - Tech

Transformation of an external stimulus into a cellular response is known as signal transduction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Without any other external stimulus, a passive reflection event occurs.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

However, dosing rates can't be varied under external stimulus.

Nano Convergence

This state cannot even be changed by an external stimulus.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Consequently an external stimulus that simultaneously excites more than one mode is beneficial.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The liquid marbles could be disrupted via an external stimulus to release their internal contents.

Polymer

They can respond to specific external stimulus changing their configuration and then remember the original shape.

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "external stimulus", clearly define the specific stimulus you are referring to for clarity. For instance, instead of generally stating "an external stimulus", specify "the external stimulus of increased light exposure".

Common error

Avoid using "external stimulus" without specifying what the stimulus is. Without proper context, the phrase can be too vague. For example, instead of saying 'the organism responded to an external stimulus', clarify by stating 'the organism responded to the external stimulus of a sudden temperature drop'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external stimulus" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a signal or factor originating from outside an organism or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe triggers that elicit responses, as shown in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external stimulus" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that describes a signal originating from outside an organism or system, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in scientific and news contexts to explain cause-and-effect relationships. To ensure clarity, it's recommended to specify the nature of the stimulus when using the phrase, as Ludwig AI highlights. Alternatives such as "exogenous stimulus" or "environmental trigger" can be used depending on the specific context. Understanding its function and purpose aids in precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exogenous stimulus

Replaces 'external' with 'exogenous', emphasizing the origin from outside the organism or system.

environmental trigger

Substitutes 'stimulus' with 'trigger', highlighting the action of initiating a response.

outside influence

Uses more general terms to denote an external factor affecting something.

external influence

Replaces stimulus with influence, focusing on the effect rather than the cause.

external factor

More general term that encompasses any external element impacting a system.

environmental cue

Emphasizes that the external stimulus serves as a signal or prompt.

external motivation

Specifically refers to a stimulus that incites action or behavior.

external incentive

Highlights the role of the stimulus as an inducement or reward.

foreign stimulus

Emphasizes the non-native or alien nature of the stimulus.

external pressure

Conveys the sense of an outside force compelling a response.

FAQs

How can I use "external stimulus" in a sentence?

You can use "external stimulus" to describe any signal originating from outside an organism or system that elicits a response. For example, "The plant's growth was affected by the "external stimulus" of sunlight".

What are some alternatives to "external stimulus"?

Alternatives include "outside influence", "environmental trigger", or "exogenous stimulus" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "external stimuli"?

Yes, "stimuli" is the plural form of "stimulus". Thus, "external stimuli" refers to multiple "external stimulus".

What is the difference between "external stimulus" and "internal stimulus"?

"External stimulus" refers to signals originating from outside an organism, while "internal stimulus" refers to signals originating from within the organism, such as hormonal changes or internal sensations.