trigger damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger damage" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where an action or event causes harm or damage to something. For example: "The sudden impact can trigger damage to the vehicle's frame." Alternative expressions include "cause damage" and "initiate damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They found that exposure to PAHs may trigger damage to DNA methylation, a mechanism used by cells to control the process by which the heritable information in a gene is expressed.

Harvard University

And a variety of studies with animal models has shown that nanoparticles can trigger damage in living tissues (Science, 18 June 2004, p. 1732).

Science Magazine

Although these risks have been known for more than 100 years, researchers have been unable to uncover how the fibers, which are found in building materials and other products, trigger damage.

Science Magazine

However, elevated BP itself can trigger damage of endothelial function and vascular remodeling [ 99].

BioMed Research International

Phytochemicals may affect the genome and trigger damage to DNA and repair mechanisms [ 31].

BioMed Research International

Therefore, the focus is on dietary phytochemicals which could trigger damage to cellular DNA, thereby accelerating cell death.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

River managers are aware that wood-clogging mechanisms frequently trigger damage-causing processes like structural damages at bridges, sudden channel outbursts, and occasionally, major displacements of the water course.

Geomorphology

The October 1995 Mw=8.0 Colima-Jalisco earthquake triggered damage in buildings located in Manzanillo city (Tena, A, 1997) [1].

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

In 1931 the North sea earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, triggered damage in 71 places in the UK.

The Guardian

From this it is concluded that, in agreement with the finding mentioned above, this energy mainly triggers damage formation in ion irradiated BiVO4.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

These applications show the practicability and accuracy of the proposed methodology for triggering damage in composite laminates, providing a robust modeling framework suitable for general specimens and loading conditions.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, this phrase is particularly effective for describing how cellular or molecular stressors lead to biological decay.

Common error

Do not use 'start to trigger damage' as 'trigger' already implies the beginning of the action. Simply stating the event 'triggers damage' is more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger damage" acts as a transitive verb phrase where 'trigger' is the action and 'damage' is the direct object. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it is often seen following modal verbs like 'can' or 'may' to express potential risk.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

55%

Academia

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trigger damage" is a precise and grammatically correct way to describe the initiation of harm. According to Ludwig AI, it is particularly prevalent in scientific and academic spheres, where it describes how specific stressors (like chemicals, radiation, or mechanical failure) lead to degradation. While "cause damage" is a more common general-purpose alternative, using "trigger damage" adds a layer of technical specificity by implying a clear catalytic event. It is a robust choice for neutral and professional writing, especially when the mechanism of destruction is the focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause damage

The most neutral and common alternative for general use.

inflict damage

Suggests a more direct or forceful imposition of harm.

lead to damage

Implies a causal chain where the initial event eventually results in harm.

induce damage

Common in scientific contexts to describe damage resulting from a specific stimulus.

result in damage

Shifts focus to the outcome rather than the specific act of triggering.

precipitate damage

Implies that the action caused the damage to happen suddenly or sooner than expected.

spark damage

Suggests a sudden initiation, often used in metaphorical or electrical contexts.

instigate damage

Carries a slight connotation of intentionality or initiation of a process.

catalyze damage

Often used in chemistry or biology to imply the acceleration of a damaging process.

wreak damage

Used for widespread or chaotic destruction.

FAQs

How to use "trigger damage" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a cause-and-effect relationship, such as: "The sudden temperature drop can "trigger damage" to the delicate sensors."

What is the difference between "cause damage" and "trigger damage"?

While both indicate harm, "cause damage" is general, whereas "trigger damage" implies a specific mechanism or event that set the damage in motion.

Is "trigger damage" formal enough for scientific reports?

Yes, it is highly appropriate. Sources like Science Magazine and Nature frequently use it to describe biological or mechanical failure processes.

What can I say instead of "trigger damage"?

Depending on your context, you might use "induce damage" for experimental results or "inflict damage" for physical impacts.