potentially trigger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potentially trigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that may cause a reaction or event to occur, often in contexts related to emotions, behaviors, or responses. Example: "Certain stimuli can potentially trigger anxiety in individuals with a history of trauma."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An abrupt switch may interrupt partially effective treatment or potentially trigger rebound effects from antipsychotic withdrawal, whereas cross-taper involves potential drug interactions.

Duke University

Surgical procedures such as implant insertion and potential complications such as periimplantitis are associated with an inflammatory condition and can potentially trigger a BP-ONJ.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Doing so could isolate the US and potentially trigger a nuclear arms race in the Gulf.

The Guardian

Such conditions can potentially trigger double-diffusive instabilities and fundamentally affect the convective features.

Journal of Computational Physics

Trump's decision to violate the Iran agreement could potentially trigger a new crisis in the Gulf.

The Guardian

And the older age of the father can potentially trigger health problems in a child, too.

The Washington Post

However, the LQR controller fails in eliminating the transient growth, which may potentially trigger thermoacoustic instability.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

When scientists saw that the splitting generated even more neutrons, they realized the process could potentially trigger a chain reaction.

Harvard University

Initially, we examined whether motor neurons could potentially trigger this beneficial astrocyte response in a mouse ALS model.

Nature

There was a brief frenzy as the combined anti-Boehner votes and absent members rose to 17, the figure that would potentially trigger a second ballot.

The Guardian

The waiver confirms that I don't have epilepsy, a pacemaker or claustrophobia – his 2010 artwork Bindu Shards could potentially trigger any of these things.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "potentially trigger", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being triggered and the potential consequences, enhancing clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "potentially trigger" when the likelihood of the event occurring is minimal. Using weaker phrasing like "might influence" can be more appropriate to align the language with the actual probability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potentially trigger" functions as a verb phrase indicating a possibility or likelihood of initiating an event or reaction. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, illustrating its role in expressing contingent causation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

42%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "potentially trigger" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate the possibility of initiating an event or reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the likelihood of the event occurring. Alternatives such as "may provoke" or "could spark" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Ensure clarity by specifying what is being triggered and its potential consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly initiate

Emphasizes the beginning of something, implying a slightly more formal tone than "potentially trigger".

could spark

Suggests a sudden or energetic start, often used in contexts involving conflict or excitement.

may provoke

Implies a reaction or response, often in a more confrontational or negative context.

might activate

Focuses on the act of making something operative or functional.

conceivably lead to

Indicates a possible pathway or progression towards a certain outcome.

theoretically induce

Suggests a more scientific or hypothetical causation.

perhaps set off

Implies initiating a chain of events or a reaction.

hypothetically incite

Suggests encouraging or stirring up a particular action or emotion, often negative.

likely precipitate

Indicates a hastened or premature occurrence of an event.

eventually bring about

Focuses on the final result or consequence of a series of actions or conditions.

FAQs

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

Use "potentially trigger" to indicate a possible cause-and-effect relationship, such as, "Certain foods can "potentially trigger" allergic reactions."

What are some alternatives to "potentially trigger"?

Consider using alternatives like "may provoke", "could spark", or "might activate" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "potentially trigger" or "likely trigger"?

"Potentially trigger" indicates a possibility, while "likely trigger" suggests a higher probability. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the likelihood of the event occurring.

What is the difference between "potentially trigger" and "potentially precipitate"?

"Potentially trigger" suggests initiating an event, whereas "potentially precipitate" implies hastening or bringing about an event prematurely. The choice depends on whether the focus is on initiation or acceleration.