trigger a reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

"trigger a reaction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to cause or initiate a response or response in someone or something. Example: The news of the company's bankruptcy has triggered a strong reaction from investors, causing a drop in the stock market.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Inhaling these pollens can trigger a reaction of the immune system.

Harvard University

Even a small amount of gluten can trigger a reaction, she said.

The New York Times

The slightest thing from the outside world could trigger a reaction or worse, death.

The Guardian

So far, however, the unrest in Gizab has failed to trigger a reaction from Kabul.

The Guardian

But in some cases, an infection can trigger a reaction so destructive it can be fatal.

The Washington Post

For those with the condition, just sitting next to someone eating peanut butter can trigger a reaction.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

And that prospect triggered a reaction that was probably decisive to Gaddafi's ultimate undoing.

The Guardian

Whatever it was it triggered a reaction in the boys that devastated a family and the community.

The Guardian

"The violation of Somali waters by foreign trawlers triggered a reaction of armed resistance by Somali fishermen, whose livelihoods were disrupted by the illegal fishing fleets," he said.

The Guardian

"Most people live without a problem, but what the doctors told me was that the altitude combined with overexertion triggered a reaction," Clark said.

The New York Times - Sports

As a byproduct, it also lowers the pH of the solution immediately surrounding the crystals, which then triggers a reaction with the dissolved waterglass.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trigger a reaction", consider the specific type of reaction you want to convey. Is it a sudden, energetic response (like "spark a response"), or a more gradual and deliberate one (like "elicit a response")? The choice of verb can significantly affect the meaning.

Common error

While "trigger a reaction" is widely understood, it can sound less formal than alternatives like "initiate a response" or "generate a response", especially in professional or academic writing. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger a reaction" primarily functions as a verb phrase. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase indicates the act of initiating or causing a response. The examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts from science to politics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trigger a reaction" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of initiating or causing a response, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts – from news and media to scientific literature – make it a valuable tool in writing. While its register is generally neutral, considering more formal alternatives like "initiate a response" may be appropriate in certain settings. Ludwig's examples show that almost anything could "trigger a reaction", making it a useful phrase in diverse scenarios. Related phrases such as "elicit a response", "provoke a reaction", and "spark a response" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit a response

Focuses on drawing out a response that is already present but latent.

provoke a reaction

Suggests a stronger, potentially negative, response.

spark a response

Implies a sudden and energetic reaction.

initiate a response

More formal and emphasizes the starting of a process.

generate a reaction

Highlights the creation or production of a response.

cause a reaction

A more direct and general way of saying something led to a response.

set off a response

Conveys a sense of triggering something that was waiting to happen.

prompt a response

Suggests a more subtle encouragement of a reaction.

induce a reaction

Often used in scientific or medical contexts, implying a controlled effect.

activate a response

Suggests bringing something into a state of activity.

FAQs

How can I use "trigger a reaction" in a sentence?

You can use "trigger a reaction" to indicate that something causes a specific response. For example, "The new policy is likely to trigger a negative reaction from employees".

What can I say instead of "trigger a reaction"?

You can use alternatives like "elicit a response", "provoke a reaction", or "spark a response" depending on the context.

Is "trigger a reaction" formal or informal?

While widely understood, "trigger a reaction" leans towards the neutral side, but for more formal contexts, consider options like "initiate a response" or "generate a reaction".

What kind of things can "trigger a reaction"?

Almost anything can "trigger a reaction", including events, substances, policies, or even art. The key is that it causes a response of some kind.