it was triggered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was triggered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or action that was initiated or caused by a specific factor or condition. Example: "The alarm went off because it was triggered by the smoke in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Last year it will not say exactly when Google deployed a cookie that created a temporary communication link between its servers and Safari when it was triggered.

The Economist

And they said that if it was triggered, the EU would use its "best endeavors" to negotiate and conclude "expeditiously" a subsequent agreement to replace it.

Yale University

"I'd say it was triggered by it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was triggered by an energy-saving motion detector.

The New York Times

Initial indications suggest it was triggered by drainage.

The Guardian

It was triggered after Democrats collected 1m signatures.

The Guardian

Perhaps it was triggered by a nuclear accident.

The Guardian - Books

It was triggered by a confluence of flaky rumours.

The Economist

It was triggered by a confession by fat_hamster: I have a confession to make.

The Guardian - Books

It was triggered by a paper entitled "The dangers of colon cleansing".

The Guardian

Palestinian villagers claim it was triggered by settlers stoning Palestinian cars.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was triggered", ensure that the triggering event or factor is clearly identified to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The alarm went off because it was triggered by smoke."

Common error

Avoid using "it was triggered" excessively in complex sentences where simpler phrasing would improve clarity. Consider rephrasing to directly state the cause and effect for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was triggered" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something was caused or initiated by an external factor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, evident in various examples where an event is shown to be set in motion by a specific cause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was triggered" serves as a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the causation or initiation of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility spans various contexts, from news reporting to academic discourse. The phrase effectively communicates a direct cause-and-effect relationship, enhancing clarity in explanations. While simpler alternatives may sometimes be preferred for brevity, understanding how to use "it was triggered" correctly can significantly improve the precision and impact of your writing. Always ensure that the triggering event is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was initiated

Replaces "triggered" with "initiated", focusing on the start of something.

it was activated

Emphasizes the start of a process or mechanism.

it was set off

Suggests a sudden or forceful beginning.

it was prompted

Highlights the instigating factor behind an action or event.

it was caused by

Directly states the reason for something happening.

it stemmed from

Indicates the origin or source of an event.

it resulted from

Focuses on the outcome of a specific cause.

it originated in

Highlights the place or time of origin.

it commenced due to

A more formal way of saying something started because of something else.

it was sparked by

Implies a sudden and often intense beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "it was triggered" in a sentence?

Use "it was triggered" to indicate that an event or action was initiated or caused by something else. For example, "The investigation "it was triggered" by new evidence".

What's a more formal alternative to "it was triggered"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it was initiated" or "it resulted from" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always necessary to specify what "triggered" something?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the triggering event provides clarity and context. Without it, the sentence may lack sufficient information.

How does "it was triggered" differ from "it happened because of"?

"It was triggered" implies a more direct and immediate cause-and-effect relationship, while "it happened because of" can encompass broader or more indirect causes.