trigger anxiety

USAGE SUMMARY

'trigger anxiety' is a correct and usable grammatical phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe situations in which a certain event or thing causes someone to experience anxiety. For example: "The thought of giving a presentation in front of a large audience triggers anxiety in many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

There's no question that parting with stuff you've collected and thought valuable can trigger anxiety.

The New York Times - Health

Coffee Some studies have linked coffee consumption with a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease, though excesses of caffeine can trigger anxiety, insomnia and heart rhythm irregularities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rupert Murdoch's News International (NI) is drawing up plans to sponsor an academy school in a move that is likely to trigger anxiety about the media mogul's influence.

The Guardian

That can trigger anxiety of the body which can cause muscular tension and shallow breathing, which can, of course, affect the swing mechanics.

The Guardian - Sport

Behavioral psychologists view anxiety as a learned response to frightening events in real life; the anxiety produced becomes attached to the surrounding circumstances associated with that event, so that those circumstances come to trigger anxiety in the person independently of any frightening event.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Students in this study unanimously expressed their belief that rubrics trigger anxiety.

Language Testing in Asia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Overall, JS appears to trigger anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors; EE was found to be able to reverse these effects.

Plosone

Kev's hair-trigger anxiety and psychological fragility exemplify one potentially disastrous outcome.

The New York Times

That, in turn, triggered anxiety that celebrity-branded feminism might be a failure on its own terms.

The Guardian

PTSD often triggers anxiety and depression, and substance abuse is as high as 60 80% among those with PTSD.

The Guardian - Opinion

In each case, art mirrored something that was happening in society -- the spread of black culture into the mainstream, for instance -- and triggered anxiety about it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about psychological or emotional responses, ensure you accurately convey the degree of impact. "Trigger anxiety" is appropriate when something directly leads to an anxious state. Be specific about what situations or stimuli cause this response.

Common error

Avoid using "trigger anxiety" lightly for minor inconveniences. The phrase implies a significant emotional response. Instead, use more appropriate terms like "cause concern" or "create unease" for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger anxiety" functions as a verb phrase where "trigger" acts as a transitive verb and "anxiety" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing the cause-and-effect relationship between an event or stimulus and the emotional response of anxiety.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trigger anxiety" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that initiates feelings of anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While suitable for both formal and neutral registers, it's important to consider the intensity of the emotional response when using this phrase. Alternatives like "provoke anxiety" or "elicit anxiety" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember to use this phrase accurately and avoid overusing it in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoke anxiety

Replaces "trigger" with "provoke", suggesting a slightly more intentional instigation of anxiety.

elicit anxiety

Uses "elicit" instead of "trigger", implying a drawing out of pre-existing anxiety.

instigate anxiety

Employs "instigate", which carries a stronger connotation of initiating or stirring up anxiety.

cause anxiety

A more direct and general alternative, replacing "trigger" with "cause".

spark anxiety

Substitutes "trigger" with "spark", indicating a sudden and often brief onset of anxiety.

generate anxiety

Replaces "trigger" with "generate", focusing on the creation of anxiety.

foster anxiety

Uses "foster" suggesting a gradual development or nurturing of anxiety.

induce anxiety

Employs "induce", implying a more controlled or deliberate causation of anxiety.

create anxiety

A simple and straightforward alternative, replacing "trigger" with "create".

set off anxiety

Uses the phrasal verb "set off" to convey the triggering action, suggesting a chain reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "trigger anxiety" to describe situations or events that cause someone to experience anxiety. For example, "Public speaking can "trigger anxiety" in many people."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "trigger anxiety"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "provoke anxiety", "elicit anxiety", or "cause anxiety".

Is it appropriate to use "trigger anxiety" in formal writing?

Yes, "trigger anxiety" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, medical, or psychological contexts. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids sensationalism.

What's the difference between "trigger anxiety" and "cause anxiety"?

While similar, "trigger anxiety" often implies a more immediate and intense response, while "cause anxiety" can suggest a more gradual or prolonged effect.