trigger a feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger a feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how certain stimuli or events can evoke emotional responses in individuals. Example: "The movie's soundtrack was so powerful that it could trigger a feeling of nostalgia in anyone who listened to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Perhaps certain scenes contain features, such as a wallpaper pattern, that trigger a feeling of familiarity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Every word you choose can trigger a feeling or emotion; it is your job to carefully select your words to maximize the impact of your message.

Huffington Post

According to the volunteers we interviewed, being involved in a well-planned intervention, benefiting from training, ongoing autonomy-supportive supervision, gaining material support and opportunities for networking, all trigger a feeling of self-efficacy.

BMJ Open

Such models distinguish the basic stages of face recognition that can trigger a feeling of familiarity (Bruce and Young 1986: p. 310)—or feeling of resemblance to a known person (Young et al. 1985: p. 517)—from the decision- making process supporting judgments about the identity of a person.

Biology and Philosophy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"A feeling triggers a feeling, then the heft / Of the hand to work," Howe states in a typically Dickinsonian moment.

The New York Times - Books

His theory is both elaborate and counterintuitive, involving a chain reaction that begins when an emotion (defined as a change in body state in response to an external stimulus) triggers a feeling (the representation of that change in the brain as well as specific mental images).

The New York Times - Books

Cooke said the app "triggers a feeling related to a memory" and is built on "data around emotion.

TechCrunch

The thought triggered a feeling of dizziness, as if the external world had sped up and was now revolving quicker and quicker around me. If, as the fictional Sean Parker argues in The Social Network, our future will be lived online, I thought to myself, then what will be the fate of these dissenters, of those who don't update?

TechCrunch

In fact, the change of seasons triggers a feeling of renewal in me.

Huffington Post

When someone close to you sees your loss and your pain, it triggers a feeling of helplessness.

Huffington Post

When tsunami alerts reached the coasts of so many different countries, it inevitably triggered a feeling that challenged everything that was known, as we collectively faced the uncertainty of the future.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trigger a feeling", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is causing the emotional response.

Common error

Avoid using "trigger a feeling" casually when discussing sensitive topics like trauma, as it can trivialize the experiences of those affected. Consider using alternative phrasing that acknowledges the potential for distress more respectfully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger a feeling" functions as a verb phrase where "trigger" acts as a transitive verb causing (action) an emotional response (feeling). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe the cause-and-effect relationship between a stimulus and an emotion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trigger a feeling" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe how certain stimuli or events can initiate an emotional response. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to consider context, especially in sensitive discussions around trauma, and opt for respectful alternatives when appropriate. Common synonyms include "evoke a feeling", "elicit a feeling" and "prompt a feeling". Predominantly found in news and media and scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for broad communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke a feeling

Changes the verb from "trigger" to "evoke", emphasizing the calling forth of a feeling.

elicit a feeling

Replaces "trigger" with "elicit", focusing on drawing out a feeling from something.

instigate a feeling

Uses "instigate" instead of "trigger", highlighting the initiation of a feeling.

prompt a feeling

Substitutes "trigger" with "prompt", suggesting a more gentle initiation of the feeling.

spark a feeling

Replaces "trigger" with "spark", implying a sudden and energetic start of a feeling.

arouse a feeling

Uses "arouse" instead of "trigger", suggesting the awakening of a feeling.

generate a feeling

Changes "trigger" to "generate", focusing on the creation of a feeling.

induce a feeling

Substitutes "trigger" with "induce", suggesting the causing of a feeling.

stimulate a feeling

Replaces "trigger" with "stimulate", implying the encouragement of a feeling.

create a sensation

Changes the phrase to focus on creating a "sensation" instead of a "feeling", broadening the scope to include physical feelings.

FAQs

What does it mean to "trigger a feeling"?

To "trigger a feeling" means to cause or initiate a particular emotion or sensation. It implies that something acts as a stimulus, leading to an emotional response.

What are some synonyms for "trigger a feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "evoke a feeling", "elicit a feeling", or "prompt a feeling" depending on the context.

How to use "trigger a feeling" in a sentence?

You can say, "The smell of rain can "trigger a feeling" of nostalgia", or "Certain songs "trigger a feeling" of happiness in me".

Is it appropriate to use "trigger a feeling" when discussing trauma?

While grammatically correct, using "trigger a feeling" in the context of trauma might be insensitive. Consider alternatives that better acknowledge the potential for distress. In such cases, describing the intensity of the emotional response is preferred.