trigger controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

"trigger controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an event, action, or statement that arouses strong opinions or disagreements. For example, "The mayor's proposal to increase taxes triggered controversy among local citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If ever a paper was designed to trigger controversy, this is it.

MIT Technology Review

The conclusions of the study, they acknowledged, are bound to trigger controversy and they accept that they have "made the type of comparison that the Higher Education Funding Council England [Hefce]" did not wish to encourage.

The Guardian

It is not the same as if you have bombed the whole city to bits". The cell's links with Vitol are likely to trigger controversy, although it is understood that Vitol also had an existing relationship with the rebels and had chosen to back them over Gaddafi early in the conflict.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Journalists trigger controversies for ratings, artists do it for sales.

BBC

This deal has also triggered controversy.

The Guardian - Business

This is not the first time Wells has triggered controversy.

The Guardian - Film

But the palm oil boom has triggered controversy.

The Guardian

A recent Greater Good article about anxiety and empathy triggered controversy among readers.

University of California, Berkeley

The film triggered controversy in the US, where some Christian institutions criticised Crowe's unconventional portrayal of Noah.

The Guardian - Film

It has received widespread acclaim but also triggered controversy over what has been called a "gay moment".

The Guardian - Film

Last year, Starkey triggered controversy after he claimed on BBC's Newsnight that "whites have become black" during a heated discussion about the summer riots across cities in England.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trigger controversy", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the controversy and who is affected. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "trigger controversy" simply to sensationalize a story. Ensure the controversy is genuine and substantiated, not merely a minor disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger controversy" functions as a verb phrase where "trigger" acts as a transitive verb, and "controversy" is its direct object. It signifies the action of initiating or causing a contentious public debate or disagreement. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trigger controversy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of initiating or causing a public disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with less common usage in scientific or academic writings. While Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness, it's important to ensure its use is justified by genuine and significant disagreement, rather than mere sensationalism. Consider alternatives like "ignite controversy" or "spark controversy" to subtly alter the nuance of your writing. Although the phrase is correct, it is still considered a "rare" expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ignite controversy

Emphasizes a more sudden and intense start to the controversy.

spark controversy

Similar to 'ignite' but suggests a quicker, more explosive beginning.

provoke controversy

Highlights the act of deliberately causing controversy.

generate controversy

Focuses on the creation or production of controversy.

stir up controversy

Indicates an action that awakens or revives an existing but dormant controversy.

fuel controversy

Suggests adding intensity to an already existing controversy.

create controversy

Focuses on bringing controversy into existence.

foment controversy

Implies instigating controversy, often with a negative connotation.

incite controversy

Suggests urging or provoking controversy, often in a more aggressive manner.

elicit controversy

Focuses on drawing controversy out as a response.

FAQs

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

You can use "trigger controversy" to describe an action, event, or statement that initiates strong public disagreement. For instance, "The politician's remarks about immigration triggered controversy nationwide."

What are some alternatives to "trigger controversy"?

Alternatives include "ignite controversy", "spark controversy", or "provoke controversy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "trigger a controversy" or "trigger controversy"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "trigger controversy" is more concise and commonly used. "Trigger a controversy" may be preferred when emphasizing the creation of a specific, identifiable controversy.

What's the difference between "trigger controversy" and "generate controversy"?

"Trigger controversy" implies initiating or setting off a pre-existing potential for disagreement, while "generate controversy" suggests creating controversy where it might not have previously existed.