set off a cycle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set off a cycle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initiation of a series of events or reactions that follow one another in a sequence. Example: "The new policy changes set off a cycle of improvements in employee productivity and morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

That set off a cycle of bloodshed.

The Guardian - Books

From that foundation he set off a cycle of stillness and disruption.

The New York Times - Arts

That message would then be amplified by the media and could set off a cycle of violence.

The New York Times

Ms. Luciano said Mr. Lyles's killing would most likely set off a cycle of revenge, leaving more people dead.

The New York Times

That set off a cycle of killing and responses, a bloody feud between a clannish society and occupiers from thousands of miles away.

The New York Times

Lambert herself came out aged 17 but remains a Christian; this set off a cycle of self-loathing and shame, but eventually reconciliation with her faith.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

This is 1976, before President Tolbert and his ministers are deposed and murdered by Master Sergeant Samuel Doe, an event setting off a cycle of slaughter and vengeance.

The Guardian - Books

In 2005, similar attacks on Shiite neighborhoods eventually prompted Shiites to form their own militias to help protect themselves, setting off a cycle of sectarian violence.

The New York Times

The company belt-tightening sets off a cycle of "slow vanishing" that carries on through the next ten, twenty, thirty years — beyond the book's time frame.

The New Yorker

As the United States pacified and stabilized volatile regions, the resulting appropriation of territory usually worsened relations with neighbours, setting off a cycle of instability that encouraged additional annexations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These "legacy emissions" can drift and be deposited elsewhere, setting off a cycle in which a growing pool of toxic mercury can circulate and contaminate the environment for decades or even centuries.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set off a cycle" to clearly indicate the commencement of a series of events or actions that are interconnected and often self-perpetuating.

Common error

Avoid using "set off a cycle" when referring to isolated events; ensure that the subsequent actions form a discernible, interconnected pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set off a cycle" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of initiating a sequence of events that tend to repeat or continue in a circular fashion. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set off a cycle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes initiating a recurring sequence of events. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use in English writing. It's particularly frequent in contexts like news and media, academic writing, and general discussions. The phrase's communicative purpose is to illustrate a cause-and-effect relationship that results in a self-sustaining or reinforcing process. When using "set off a cycle", ensure that the events genuinely form an interconnected and recurring pattern, not just a series of isolated incidents. Alternatives such as "trigger a chain of events" or "initiate a series of events" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trigger a chain of events

This alternative emphasizes the sequential nature of the events initiated.

initiate a series of events

This phrase is more formal and highlights the beginning of a sequence.

spark a recurring process

This alternative focuses on the repetitive nature of the cycle being started.

start a chain reaction

This implies a series of self-sustaining events, often with increasing intensity.

set in motion a process

This suggests a deliberate action to begin a series of actions.

kick off a sequence

This is a more informal way of saying that something has started a series of events.

unleash a cascade of effects

This implies a large and rapid series of consequences.

give rise to a series of occurrences

A formal alternative that emphasizes the causal relationship.

instigate a revolving pattern

This alternative highlights the cyclical and repetitive aspect.

engender a circular sequence

This emphasizes the returning nature of the sequence to its origin.

FAQs

How can I use "set off a cycle" in a sentence?

You can use "set off a cycle" to describe initiating a series of events, for example: "The new policy "set off a cycle" of improvements in employee productivity".

What are some alternatives to "set off a cycle"?

Alternatives include "trigger a chain of events", "initiate a series of events", or "spark a recurring process".

Is it correct to say "set off a cycle" or should I use another phrase?

"Set off a cycle" is a correct and commonly used phrase. Its appropriateness depends on the context, but it is grammatically sound.

What is the difference between "set off a cycle" and "trigger a series of events"?

"Set off a cycle" implies a recurring or cyclical nature to the events, while "trigger a series of events" simply indicates the commencement of a sequence.