Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this can trigger
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "this can trigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain action or event may cause a specific reaction or outcome. Example: "Eating certain foods can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
this may cause
this could lead to
this may lead to
this could result in
this may give rise to
this might generate
this could spell
this could get
this could prove
this could break
this may result in
this might result in
this could pose
this could lay
this could backfire
this could cause
this might lead to
this could be
this could mean
this could help
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
40 human-written examples
There is something going wrong when this can trigger such a violent reaction from its MPs.
News & Media
This can trigger tough choices about whether to "heat or eat," advocates say.
Academia
If an unsustainable rise in asset prices goes into sharp reverse, this can trigger financial instability.
News & Media
This can trigger seismicity in seismically active areas such as volcanoes where there is already a high fluid pressure.
News & Media
This can trigger the idea that a female candidate is "masculine" -- or worse, a certain b-word comes to mind.
News & Media
This can trigger a cascading effect as real money investors pull back in self-defence and at times flee in panic.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
20 human-written examples
This signal can trigger cells to grow faster.
News & Media
This formation can trigger an immune response and affect nanoparticles' toxicity and targeting capabilities.
This excitation can trigger system resonance and result in severe oscillation in load signal.
One herpes virus with this ability can trigger a cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma in susceptible individuals.
News & Media
This phenomenon can trigger the formation of new branch structures.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "this can trigger", ensure that "this" clearly refers to a specific and identifiable antecedent. Ambiguity can weaken the sentence.
Common error
Avoid stringing multiple clauses together with "this can trigger". Break down overly complex sentences for clarity and impact.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
"This can trigger" functions as a causal phrase, indicating that a preceding event or situation has the potential to initiate or cause a subsequent event or reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
36%
Science
40%
Academia
16%
Less common in
Wiki
8%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "this can trigger" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a potential cause-and-effect relationship. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news, science, and academic writing. While maintaining a neutral register, the phrase effectively communicates the possibility of a preceding action leading to a specific outcome. When employing "this can trigger", it's important to ensure clarity in the antecedent and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "this may cause" or "this could lead to", depending on the desired level of formality and certainty.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
this may lead to
Replaces the original phrase with a more direct cause-and-effect expression.
this may initiate
Replaces "can trigger" with a more formal "may initiate", softening the impact of the statement.
this could result in
Similar to "may lead to", but emphasizes the outcome or consequence.
this can prompt
Suggests that "this" serves as a stimulus or encouragement for a specific action.
this may give rise to
A more formal and indirect way of saying "this can trigger", suggesting the creation of something.
this might activate
Substitutes "can trigger" with "might activate", suggesting a potential but not definite activation.
this could set off
Uses "set off" to indicate a chain reaction or a series of events that follow.
this might generate
Uses "might generate" to indicate the creation or production of something as a result.
this could spark
Uses "could spark" instead of "can trigger", implying a sudden or energetic start.
this can incite
Implies that "this" provokes or stirs up a particular reaction, often negative.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "this can trigger"?
Alternatives include "this may cause", "this could lead to", or "this might initiate", depending on the context.
How do I use "this can trigger" in a sentence?
"This can trigger" is used to indicate that something may cause a particular reaction or outcome. For example: "Increased stress can trigger headaches."
Is "this can trigger" formal or informal?
"This can trigger" is suitable for various contexts, including formal and informal writing. However, more formal alternatives like "this may initiate" might be preferable in highly formal situations.
What is the difference between "this can trigger" and "this will trigger"?
"This can trigger" indicates a possibility, while "this will trigger" implies a certainty. Using "can" suggests a potential outcome, whereas "will" suggests a guaranteed result.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested