that may trigger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may trigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to cause a reaction or response, often in a specific context such as emotions or behaviors. Example: "Certain words or phrases can be sensitive and that may trigger strong emotional responses in some individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Help him avoid situations that may trigger the urge to smoke.

Columbia University

CBT helps identify and then neutralize thoughts that may trigger anxiety.

Harvard University

But how that may trigger the disease is, for the moment, unknown.

The Washington Post

Such flows are inherently nonlinear and therefore subject to instabilities that may trigger transitions to intricate spatio-temporal behaviour.

University of California, Berkeley

Some degree of ambiguity is present in all negotiations, so be aware of situations that may trigger gender stereotypes or role expectations.

Harvard University

These may be caused by bronchospasm, a sudden contraction of the airways that makes it difficult to breathe and that may trigger a torrent of wheezing or coughing.

Harvard University

In business, environmental considerations germane to globalization, technological advancement, and compressed product life cycles create high levels of market dynamism that may trigger strategic change.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bayern Munich have signed the goalkeeper Sven Ulreich from Stuttgart on a three-year contract, a move that may trigger the departure of Pepe Reina.

The Guardian - Sport

Some foundations have decided to increase the amount they dispense each year, even though that may trigger a higher excise tax.

The New York Times

One reason for this is that it delays the introduction of foods (such as cow's milk or cow's-milk formula) that may trigger the allergic process.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Also, the new educational system has raised expectations that may trigger a rural exodus to Zimbabwe's cities, something the government is desperate to avoid.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that may trigger", ensure the context clearly indicates what the potential reaction or outcome might be. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "that may trigger" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "a decision that may be triggered by external factors", opt for a more direct phrasing like "external factors that may trigger a decision" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may trigger" functions as a relative clause modifying a preceding noun or noun phrase. It indicates a potential cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting that the modified element has the ability or potential to initiate or set off a subsequent event or reaction, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

26%

News & Media

25%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0.01%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that may trigger" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate a potential cause-and-effect relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse fields, from scientific research to news reporting. While suitable for many registers, careful attention should be paid to clarity and avoidance of overly passive constructions. Alternatives such as "that could initiate" or "that might spark" can be considered for nuanced expression. Remember to clearly define the potential outcome for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could initiate

Replaces 'may' with 'could' and 'trigger' with 'initiate', suggesting the start of something.

that can provoke

Substitutes 'may trigger' with 'can provoke', highlighting the potential to elicit a response.

that might spark

Uses 'might spark' instead of 'may trigger', implying a sudden or energetic start.

that has the potential to cause

Replaces 'may trigger' with a longer phrase emphasizing the potential for causation.

that is liable to induce

Employs 'liable to induce' to convey a tendency to cause something.

that is capable of activating

Replaces 'trigger' with 'activate', indicating the ability to set something in motion.

that has the possibility of eliciting

Expresses the idea of bringing forth a response, replacing 'trigger' with 'eliciting'.

that runs the risk of setting off

Highlights the risk associated with something that could activate or initiate an event.

that is apt to generate

Substitutes 'may trigger' with 'is apt to generate', suggesting a natural tendency to produce.

that is prone to instigate

Uses 'prone to instigate' to convey a predisposition to start or provoke something.

FAQs

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

Use "that may trigger" to indicate a potential cause-and-effect relationship, such as, "Certain words can be sensitive and "that may trigger" strong emotional responses".

What are some alternatives to "that may trigger"?

Alternatives include "that could initiate", "that can provoke", or "that might spark", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "that may trigger" and "that will trigger"?

"That may trigger" suggests a possibility, while "that will trigger" indicates a certainty. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the likelihood of the event occurring.

Which is better, "situations that may trigger" or "situations that trigger"?

"Situations that may trigger" implies a potential trigger, whereas "situations that trigger" suggests that these situations always lead to the specified outcome. The better choice depends on the accuracy you want to express.