is triggering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is triggering" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that causes a strong emotional reaction, often related to trauma or distress. Example: "The news article about the event is triggering for many people who have experienced similar situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Surging income inequality is triggering alarms.

The Washington Post

Their biggest fear is triggering something they can't control".

The New York Times

Already, Shanghai Disneyland is triggering concerns about American cultural imperialism.

The New York Times

Climate change is triggering adaptation by people and wildlife.

Biological Conservation

No expression of emotion, micro or macro, reveals exactly what is triggering it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Scientists think this galactic interaction is triggering waves of star formation.

Harvard University

The shrinking of Greenland's ice sheet is triggering feedback loops that accelerate the global crisis.

Columbia University

In addition, climate change is triggering more frequent extreme storms, particularly in the hurricane-ravaged Caribbean.

The Guardian - Travel

However, it's windy too, which is triggering a a noise Walls hasn't heard before.

The Guardian - Arts

When Wellesley students say the statue is "triggering," that's what they mean.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"An emotion is triggered.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the potential impact of using "is triggering" when discussing trauma or mental health. Ensure your language is respectful and appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "is triggering" in contexts where the reaction is trivial or insignificant. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and trivialize genuine experiences of trauma or distress. Use more appropriate vocabulary for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is triggering" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of initiating or causing something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in describing how certain stimuli provoke reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is triggering" is a versatile phrase used to describe the initiation of a process, event, or reaction, particularly an emotional one. Ludwig AI confirms that while grammatically sound and widely used, careful consideration should be given to the context and potential impact, especially when discussing sensitive topics like trauma. Alternatives such as "is causing", "is initiating", or "is prompting" may be more suitable in certain situations. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Academia and Science sources indicating its adaptability across different levels of formality. Avoid overuse in trivial situations to preserve its impact and be mindful of the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is causing

Focuses on the direct causation of an event or reaction.

is initiating

Emphasizes the start or commencement of something.

is sparking

Highlights the sudden or energetic beginning of an event.

is activating

Suggests setting something in motion or making it functional.

is setting off

Implies a chain reaction or series of events being started.

is prompting

Focuses on urging or encouraging a specific action or response.

is eliciting

Highlights the act of drawing forth or evoking a response.

is generating

Emphasizes the creation or production of something as a result.

is giving rise to

Implies the creation and development of a phenomenon or situation.

is leading to

Highlights the consequential nature of an action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "is triggering" in a sentence?

You can use "is triggering" to indicate that something is initiating a reaction or response, especially an emotional one. For example, "The news report "is triggering" anxiety in some viewers".

What are some alternatives to using "is triggering"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is causing", "is initiating", or "is prompting". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is triggering" and "is causing"?

"Is triggering" often implies a more immediate and potentially intense reaction, particularly in relation to emotional or psychological responses. "Is causing" is a more general term for direct causation.

When is it appropriate to use the term "is triggering"?

It's appropriate when describing something that elicits a strong emotional or psychological response, especially one related to past trauma or negative experiences. Be mindful and respectful of the context.