had touched off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had touched off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has triggered or caused a reaction, event, or situation. Example: "The controversial article had touched off a heated debate among the readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He had touched off an explosion".

Independent

Officials said they suspected a leak had touched off the explosion and fire.

The New York Times

The F.C.C.'s rule change had touched off deep divisions within the broadcasting industry.

The New York Times

Hundreds had been killed in their barracks, and rockets fired by the commandos had touched off fires in installations & equipment.

The New Yorker

On Israeli television tonight, Mr. Sharon denied that it was his visit that had touched off violence.

The New York Times

But the women who had imagined flirting were far more likely to choose LOYAL and THREAT, suggesting that the exercise had touched off subconscious concerns about commitment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The practice has touched off a sharp debate.

The New York Times

It has touched off a wave of factional fighting.

The Economist

The Oklahoma vacancy has touched off a tough Republican primary.

The New York Times

It has touched off a swirl of protests.

The New York Times

New York City's proposal has touched off a debate in Albany.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had touched off" to vividly describe how an event triggered a series of subsequent actions or a significant reaction. This phrase works well in narratives or reports where you want to emphasize the initiating event's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "had touched off" for minor or inconsequential events. The phrase implies a significant impact or reaction; using it for trivial matters weakens its effect and may sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had touched off" functions as a phrasal verb in the past perfect tense, indicating that an action triggered or initiated a subsequent event or series of events. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "had touched off" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed expression used to convey that something has initiated a sequence of events or a notable reaction. As Ludwig AI suggests, the expression is valid in the English language. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it effectively establishes cause-and-effect relationships and can be used in different contexts, from news reporting to formal analysis. When employing this phrase, ensure that the triggering event has a substantial impact, avoiding its application to inconsequential occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had triggered

Focuses on the immediate cause-and-effect relationship, implying a direct reaction to a specific stimulus.

had sparked

Emphasizes the sudden and energetic start of something, like a fire or a debate.

had initiated

Highlights the formal beginning or launch of an event, process, or action.

had set in motion

Suggests a chain of events was started, implying a sequence of actions following the initial trigger.

had given rise to

Focuses on the consequence or outcome of the initial action, highlighting what was created or caused.

had led to

Emphasizes the pathway or progression from one event to another, implying a cause-and-effect relationship.

had prompted

Highlights the element of persuasion or encouragement that led to the subsequent action.

had instigated

Implies a more deliberate or even provocative action that caused something to begin.

had generated

Stresses the creation or production of something as a result of the initial action.

had brought about

Focuses on the accomplishment or realization of a specific outcome or result.

FAQs

How can I use "had touched off" in a sentence?

The phrase "had touched off" is used to indicate that something triggered or initiated a series of events. For example, "The controversial statement "had touched off" a heated debate".

What are some alternatives to "had touched off"?

You can use alternatives like "had triggered", "had sparked", or "had initiated" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "had touched off" in formal writing?

Yes, "had touched off" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, historical accounts, and analytical pieces where describing a triggering event is crucial. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

What's the difference between "had touched off" and "had started"?

"Had started" is a more general term for beginning an action or event. "Had touched off" implies a more forceful or impactful beginning that leads to a series of consequences or reactions, suggesting a higher degree of influence or causation.