trigger an alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger an alarm" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to express that some event or action causes an alarm system to sound an alert. For example: "The fire triggered an alarm, alerting everyone in the building to evacuate immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

This mechanism uses an alarming system to trigger an alarm and report if any entries in the filter exceed the threshold value.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Although the bags were equipped with acoustomagnetic sensors, designed to trigger an alarm, that did not serve as a deterrent.

The New York Times - Style

Residents at the nearby Haven Manor nursing home are outfitted with electronic bracelets that trigger an alarm should they try to leave.

The New York Times

The system can also be set up to trigger an alarm on an electronic map screen if a vehicle goes somewhere unauthorized.

The New York Times - Tech

They will still go through security -- shoes, change and laptops in the bin, the whole routine -- but will be spared from additional screening unless they trigger an alarm for some reason.

The New York Times

Developing and fielding effective biological weapon sensors that can trigger an alarm would allow personnel to don masks before exposure, get into protective overgarments, and go inside, preferably into toxic-free collective protection shelters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The smoke machine triggered an alarm and the fire brigade arrived after receiving an automatic callout.

The Guardian

After the BZ took effect, they triggered an alarm indicating a chemical attack.

The New Yorker

It emits a sonic pulse, and when a knife or gun is present, the pulse is reflected back, triggering an alarm and a light.

The New York Times

Every time I set out on the loop, my quivering heart generated gyrating lines on the monitor screen that triggered an alarm.

The New York Times

"In some cases, there is actually going to be a period of time when those tires are going to be driven, underinflated, while not triggering an alarm," said Ann Wilson, senior vice president of the association.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about security systems or automated responses, consider using "trigger an alarm" to clearly convey the action of initiating a warning signal.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures what is causing the alarm to "trigger". Instead of "An alarm was triggered", specify the cause: "The smoke triggered an alarm."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger an alarm" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of initiating or setting off an alarm. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trigger an alarm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the action of activating an alarm system. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's versatile enough for both neutral and slightly more formal contexts, as evidenced by its presence in news articles, scientific publications, and general reference materials. When using this phrase, ensure that the cause of the alarm is clearly stated to avoid passive voice constructions. Consider alternatives like "set off an alarm" or "activate an alert" to fit the specific tone and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

activate an alert

Focuses on the activation of an alert, which is a more general term for a warning.

set off an alarm

Emphasizes the initiation of the alarm, similar to "trigger", but with a slightly more casual tone.

initiate a warning

Highlights the start of a warning signal, suitable for more formal contexts.

cause an alert

Focuses on the causation aspect, where something leads to an alert being raised.

generate an alert

Indicates that an alert is produced as a result of a specific action or event.

prompt an alarm

Suggests that something encourages or incites an alarm to sound.

spark an alarm

Uses a more figurative term, implying that an alarm is ignited or set off suddenly.

elicit an alarm

Suggests that the alarm is a response that is drawn out or provoked.

give rise to an alarm

A more formal way of saying something causes an alarm.

be the source of an alarm

Indicates that something is the origin or cause of an alarm.

FAQs

How can I use "trigger an alarm" in a sentence?

You can use "trigger an alarm" to describe an action or event that activates a warning system. For example, "Excessive vibration can "trigger an alarm" in sensitive machinery".

What are some alternatives to "trigger an alarm"?

Alternatives include "set off an alarm", "activate an alert", or "initiate a warning", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "trigger an alarm" or "set off an alarm"?

Both "trigger an alarm" and "set off an alarm" are acceptable. "Trigger" is slightly more formal, while "set off" is more casual, but they are often interchangeable.

What does it mean when something "triggers an alarm"?

When something "triggers an alarm", it means that it causes the alarm system to activate and produce a warning signal, indicating a potential problem or danger.