it was prompted by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was prompted by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action or response was initiated or influenced by a specific event or stimulus. Example: "The decision to change the policy was prompted by recent feedback from employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was prompted by the FARC's kidnapping of a senator.

The Economist

"It was prompted by the fans," he says.

The Guardian - Film

It was prompted by an American appeal for Russian assistance.

The Guardian

"I think it was prompted by the launch of a washing machine," he explained dolefully.

The New York Times

It was prompted by confusion among residents about when bins and recycling were collected.

The Guardian

We should certainly welcome SeaWorld's decision, even if it was prompted by profit and loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was prompted by a takeover attempt by US drugs company Pfizer of UK-based AstraZeneca.

The Guardian

There have also been reports that it was prompted by massive DDOS attacks.

The Guardian

In Ukraine's case, it was prompted by the grisly murder of a journalist who had been critical of the regime.

The Economist

It was prompted by the first Gulf War and the ensuing polarisation of the Arab world and the west.

The Guardian - Travel

It was prompted by the UK Government's decision to raise the cap on fees south of the border.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was prompted by", ensure the cause you're referencing is clear and directly linked to the effect you're describing. This helps maintain clarity and strengthens the cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was prompted by" when the connection between the cause and effect is weak or unclear. Instead, choose a phrase that more accurately reflects the relationship, such as "it was influenced by" or "it is associated with."

Linguistic Context

Causal connector. The phrase "it was prompted by" serves to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between an event and its instigating factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something occurred as a direct result of a specific stimulus or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was prompted by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used connector to indicate causation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively illustrates a direct cause-and-effect relationship, commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, always establish a strong link between the cause and effect. Alternatives include "it was caused by" or "it was triggered by". The phrase's prevalence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was caused by

Focuses directly on causation, emphasizing the event or factor that directly led to something.

it was triggered by

Suggests a more immediate or reactive cause, implying that something acted as a catalyst.

it was initiated by

Implies the start of something, where the cause is the first step in a sequence of events.

it stemmed from

Suggests a root cause or origin, indicating a deeper, more fundamental reason.

it arose from

Indicates that something emerged or came into existence as a result of a particular factor.

it resulted from

Highlights the outcome or consequence of a specific cause or set of circumstances.

it was a consequence of

Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship, positioning the event as a direct result.

it originated in

Focuses on the place or point in time where something began or was created, linking it to a specific source.

it was brought about by

Highlights the action of causing something, often implying a deliberate or influential cause.

it was determined by

Suggests that the outcome was decided or influenced by a specific factor or condition.

FAQs

What does "it was prompted by" mean?

The phrase "it was prompted by" means that something was initiated, caused, or influenced by a particular event, action, or factor. It indicates a cause-and-effect relationship where the specified element triggered a response or outcome.

How can I use "it was prompted by" in a sentence?

You can use "it was prompted by" to explain the reason or motivation behind an action or decision. For example, "The investigation "it was prompted by" several complaints from customers."

What can I say instead of "it was prompted by"?

You can use alternatives like "it was caused by", "it was triggered by", or "it stemmed from" depending on the context.

Is "it was prompted by" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was prompted by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and professional communications.