trigger anger

USAGE SUMMARY

"trigger anger" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to cause or provoke anger in someone. Example: His insensitive comment about her weight triggered her anger, causing her to storm out of the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Withdrawing from activities that used to give them pleasure can be a telltale sign of mild cognitive impairment – and can trigger anger and arguments.

The New York Times

The recommendation not to proceed with a court-martial is likely to trigger anger and resentment in Japan, a crucial American military ally in the Far East.

The New York Times

Yet I treasured his fury, as a vestige of his pride, treasured the fact that it could still trigger anger in me, make me feel like a normal wife again with a strong husband to quarrel with.

The New Yorker

The £1bn shake-up, which is due to come into effect in 2017, will partly be paid for by the contentious step of freezing inheritance tax for the next three years – a proposal that will trigger anger on the Tory right.

Independent

Benign comments or constructive criticism threaten their fragile self-esteem and can trigger anger.

Huffington Post

Realizing that they, too, could go through a traumatic event can trigger anger.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Surely no male director has gone further into the hair-trigger anger and pathos of the American warrior caste.

The New Yorker

Peirce goes as far as any male director has ever gone into the hair-trigger anger and pathos of the American warrior caste — the men keep getting into brawls, and they find intimacy with women impossible.

The New Yorker

Peirce goes as far as any male director has ever gone in examining the hair-trigger anger and pathos of the American warrior caste — the men keep getting into brawls, and they find intimacy with women impossible.

The New Yorker

The agreement has triggered anger from those football associations, who fear their independence may be threatened.

Independent

The moratorium idled 33 deepwater rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, affecting many jobs and triggering anger in the region.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trigger anger", be specific about what is causing the anger. Provide context to clarify the trigger and its effect for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about what "triggers anger". Instead of saying "political debates trigger anger", specify which aspects or statements within the debate cause the anger response for more precise communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger anger" functions as a verb phrase where "trigger" acts as a transitive verb taking "anger" as its direct object. It indicates the action of initiating or causing a feeling of anger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trigger anger" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe the act of causing or initiating anger. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples show its prevalence in news, media, wiki content, and scientific discussions. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for diverse contexts, and is often used to explain the causes of anger in various situations. While alternatives like "spark anger" or "provoke anger" exist, "trigger anger" remains a clear and effective way to express the concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark anger

Replaces "trigger" with "spark", suggesting a sudden or immediate onset of anger.

provoke anger

Uses "provoke" instead of "trigger", implying a more intentional incitement of anger.

elicit anger

Employs "elicit", suggesting that anger is drawn out or evoked from a person or situation.

incite anger

Utilizes "incite", emphasizing a more forceful or deliberate act of arousing anger.

instigate anger

Swaps "trigger" for "instigate", suggesting the beginning or initiation of anger.

arouse anger

Replaces "trigger" with "arouse", focusing on the stirring up or awakening of anger.

stir up anger

Uses "stir up", suggesting a more active and possibly disruptive provocation of anger.

generate anger

Employs "generate", indicating the creation or production of anger.

cause anger

A more direct and simple alternative, indicating that something is the reason for anger.

give rise to anger

A more formal alternative to "cause anger", indicating the creation or generation of anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "trigger anger" to describe a situation, event, or statement that causes someone to become angry. For example, "His insensitive comment about her appearance triggered her anger, leading to an argument."

What are some alternatives to "trigger anger"?

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

Is it better to say "trigger anger" or "cause anger"?

Both "trigger anger" and "cause anger" are grammatically correct, but "trigger anger" often implies a more immediate or reactive response, while "cause anger" can refer to a more general or long-term effect.

What kinds of things typically "trigger anger"?

Many things can "trigger anger", including perceived injustices, personal insults, or frustrating situations. Identifying these triggers can help in managing emotional responses and preventing conflict.