may trigger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may trigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has the potential to cause a reaction or event, often in a cautionary context. Example: "Certain foods may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lack of employment opportunities may trigger violence and juvenile delinquency.

The Guardian

"It may trigger 'What about my skin?' " he continued.

The New Yorker

Social and political dislocations also may trigger massive unrests.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Formatting may trigger spam filters if not done properly.

Cornell University

Any large acquisition by a company may trigger activist interest.

Harvard University

It may trigger similar demands in other pro-E.U.

The Washington Post

Then the visits may trigger many subsequent hospitalizations and I.C.U.

The New York Times

Stressful life experiences may trigger the disease's initial onset.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His findings may trigger a wider public inquiry into sleaze.

The Economist

Failures of columns may trigger catastrophic progressive collapse if there is insufficient structural redundancy.

Engineering Structures

"For certain vulnerable patients, however, isotretinoin may trigger such behaviour," it finds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may trigger", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of certainty implied by "may" is appropriate. If a stronger statement is needed, consider alternatives like "will trigger" or "is likely to trigger".

Common error

Avoid overuse of "may trigger" in formal or scientific writing where a more definitive term is required. In these contexts, phrases like "leads to" or "causes" may be more appropriate to convey a higher degree of certainty or causality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may trigger" functions as a causal connector, indicating a potential cause-and-effect relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, suggesting that something has the potential to cause a reaction or event. It's often used to introduce possible consequences or initiate actions, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may trigger" is a versatile causal connector, widely used to indicate a potential cause-and-effect relationship across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, from scientific reports to news articles. While indicating possibility, users should be mindful of the intended level of certainty in their writing, opting for stronger verbs when appropriate. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, writers can effectively convey the likelihood of an event occurring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could initiate

Replaces "may trigger" with a more formal verb, emphasizing the start of an action.

can lead to

Focuses on the potential consequence or result of an action.

might provoke

Suggests a reaction or response is likely to be incited.

potentially spark

Emphasizes a sudden or energetic beginning.

has the capacity to induce

A more formal and technical way of saying something can cause something else.

is liable to generate

Highlights the probability of creating or producing an outcome.

can set off

Implies activating a process or event.

is apt to bring about

Indicates a natural tendency or likelihood of causing something.

is capable of eliciting

Focuses on drawing out or evoking a response.

possibly precipitate

Suggests speeding up or causing something to happen prematurely.

FAQs

How can I use "may trigger" in a sentence?

The phrase "may trigger" indicates a possibility or potential for something to initiate or cause a reaction. For example, "Certain foods "may trigger allergic reactions"" or "Stress "may trigger headaches"".

What are some alternatives to "may trigger"?

Alternatives to "may trigger" include phrases like "could lead to", "might cause", or "can provoke". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it always appropriate to use "may trigger"?

While generally acceptable, "may trigger" suggests a degree of uncertainty. In situations where the causality is well-established, stronger verbs like "causes" or "induces" might be more suitable. Consider the level of certainty required by your writing context.

What's the difference between "may trigger" and "will trigger"?

"May trigger" indicates a possibility or potential, while "will trigger" implies a higher degree of certainty or inevitability. "May trigger" suggests something could happen, whereas "will trigger" indicates it likely will happen under the right conditions.