potential to trigger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potential to trigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that may cause a reaction or event to occur under certain conditions. Example: "The new policy has the potential to trigger significant changes in employee behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any social unrest has the potential to trigger serious and large-scale political protests.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite this, she remains positive the charter has potential to trigger huge positive change.

The Guardian

This disturbs the blood flow and promotes clot formation – with the potential to trigger a heart attack or stroke.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has the potential to trigger a downward spiral that would destroy South Africa as a democratic, constitutional state.

The Guardian

China, which has not invested heavily in biofuels, said that "grain-based biofuels has driven up grain utilization and has potential to trigger more far reaching problems".

The New York Times

Yet it is surely crucial because it may double the number of Ukip MPs in the Commons and has the potential to trigger further Tory defections.

The Guardian

Such losses, or just the thought of them, have the potential to trigger global contagion as carry traders close positions in US markets to repay loans in Japan.

The Guardian - Opinion

But what exactly is it, and does it have the potential to trigger political change on a scale ruling parties might prefer not to imagine?

The Guardian - Opinion

That meant, however, that choosing a table at the village's main self-service restaurant, Grace Bay, had the potential to trigger latent elementary school cafeteria anxiety.

The New York Times - Travel

Such a conflict was described by one diplomat as a "doomsday scenario" with the potential to trigger a war that could pull in several nations.

Independent

As fossil fuel companies are among the richest in the world these "stranded assets" have the potential to trigger a new global economic crisis if investors pull out in quick succession.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "potential to trigger", ensure the context clearly defines what is being triggered and the possible consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "potential to trigger" when the likelihood is minimal or purely speculative. Instead, use language that reflects the uncertainty, such as "may possibly trigger" or "could potentially trigger."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential to trigger" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a to-infinitive. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating a capability or possibility for something to initiate or cause a specific action or event. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potential to trigger" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the possibility of something initiating a specific action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's prevalent across diverse domains, including news, science, and general discourse. When employing the phrase, clarity is key. Ensure the triggered event and its implications are well-defined. Alternatives like "likely to trigger" or "prone to trigger" offer nuanced alternatives. Avoid exaggeration of the likelihood to ensure accuracy. The phrase serves to highlight possibilities, and its adaptability renders it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to trigger

Indicates a high probability of causing something.

able to trigger

Focuses on the capability or capacity to cause something.

prone to trigger

Emphasizes a higher likelihood or susceptibility to causing something.

capacity to initiate

Focuses on the inherent ability to start or begin something.

predisposed to activate

Emphasizes a pre-existing tendency or vulnerability to activating a particular response.

possible to trigger

Suggests that it is feasible, though not necessarily probable, for something to cause an event.

inclined to set off

Implies a predisposition to activate or initiate something.

apt to spark

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination to ignite or cause something.

liable to provoke

Suggests a tendency to incite or cause a reaction.

chance to trigger

Highlights the opportunity or possibility for something to cause an event.

FAQs

How can I use "potential to trigger" in a sentence?

You can use "potential to trigger" to describe something that could initiate a particular reaction or event. For instance, "The new policy has the potential to trigger significant changes in employee behavior."

What are some alternatives to "potential to trigger"?

Alternatives include "likely to trigger", "prone to trigger", or "able to trigger", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has a potential to trigger"?

While understandable, it's more grammatically sound and common to say "has the potential to trigger". The definite article "the" clarifies that you're referring to a general capability rather than an unspecified one.

What's the difference between "potential to trigger" and "certain to trigger"?

"Potential to trigger" indicates a possibility, while "certain to trigger" implies a guaranteed outcome. The former suggests a likelihood, while the latter expresses certainty.