precipitated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precipitated by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that has caused a particular event to happen. For example, "The outbreak of civil unrest was precipitated by a government decision to raise taxes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The exhaustion precipitated by that protracted struggle endures.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was unquestionably precipitated by 9/11," Mr. Galotti said.

The New York Times

The Russians also fear regional instability precipitated by regime change.

The New York Times

"It was not precipitated by any specific event.

The New York Times

It's an unlikely migration, precipitated by Richard's breakdown and depression.

The New York Times - Books

Precipitated by a party financing scandal, his eclipse seems to have left the Christian Democrats rudderless.

The New York Times

Donovan's break was precipitated by his plunge into bohemia, St Ives style.

The Guardian - Books

In reality, the break was mutual, precipitated by Steele's act of conscience.

The New Yorker

This can be precipitated by the onset of dizzy spells, palpitations or blackouts.

The Guardian - Sport

This shift was precipitated by Al Qaeda's loss of its headquarters in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

That deal was precipitated by Juniper's acquisition of Contrail Systems.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precipitated by", ensure that the cause-and-effect relationship is clear and direct. This strengthens the clarity and impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "precipitated by" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "caused by" or "triggered by" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precipitated by" functions as a causal connector, linking a cause to its effect. It indicates that something acted as a catalyst, leading to a specific outcome. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts ranging from political instability to scientific processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "precipitated by" is a causal connector that means caused or brought about suddenly, suggesting a catalyst effect. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it is best suited for formal contexts where a clear cause-and-effect relationship is being established. For less formal situations, consider alternatives like "caused by" or "triggered by" to maintain a natural tone. The phrase's frequency and presence in authoritative sources demonstrate its reliability and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caused by

A more direct and commonly used synonym, highlighting the reason something happened.

triggered by

Emphasizes a catalyst or initiating event.

brought about by

Focuses on the direct cause of an event or situation.

initiated by

Highlights the starting point or beginning of a process or event.

given rise to

Emphasizes the act of producing or causing something to exist or happen.

resulted from

Indicates that something is a consequence or outcome of a prior event.

stemmed from

Suggests an origin or root cause.

instigated by

Highlights the active role of something in starting an event, often with negative connotations.

aroused by

Implies a stirring or awakening as a result of something.

occasioned by

Indicates that something created the opportunity for an event to occur.

FAQs

What does "precipitated by" mean?

"Precipitated by" means caused or brought about suddenly. It often implies that the cause acted as a catalyst, quickly leading to a particular result or event.

How can I use "precipitated by" in a sentence?

You can use "precipitated by" to show that an event was quickly and directly caused by something else. For example, "The economic crisis was "triggered by" a sudden rise in oil prices."

Which is a better choice, "caused by" or "precipitated by"?

"Caused by" is more general and widely applicable. "Precipitated by" suggests a more sudden or rapid causation. Choose "precipitated by" if you want to emphasize the speed and directness of the cause-and-effect relationship, for example "The argument was "sparked by" a misunderstanding."

What are some alternatives to "precipitated by"?

Alternatives include "caused by", "triggered by", "brought about by", and "resulted from". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Also consider using "prompted by" or "instigated by".