trigger debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"trigger debate" is a correctly formed sentence and could be used in written English.
For example, the recent elections have triggered debate about the state of the economy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The choice of golf courses, number of rounds, hotel, restaurants and tee times can all trigger debate when 4, 8 or 12 egos and budgets are involved.

The New York Times - Travel

But it will trigger debate on Capitol Hill with some members of the President's party wary of allowing the US to get entangled in more overseas conflict.

Independent

The launch of his restaurant - called Cabbages and Condoms - gave him both a means of sustainable income and a relaxed space in which to trigger debate around family planning.

The Guardian

Opponents are hoping that the state's stubborn fight to wheel another elderly man back to the gallows (he is severely ill and suffers from advanced dementia) may trigger debate and a backlash.

The Economist

Given that Canadians disagree violently about their future viability as a people, Seymour Martin Lipset's "Continental Divide," a patient and careful study of the differences between the cultures of the two countries, is bound to trigger debate in Canada.

The New York Times - Books

Brock Akil has said that she deliberately chose a generic name for her heroine, hoping that the show would trigger debate among an audience of women whose stories are finally being aired: "It's time for us to redefine who we are and not keep chasing what we have been told".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It also reformatted Labour's e-petition scheme, allowing it to trigger debates in Parliament.

BBC

Many smaller items have been ticked off the list - such as online petitions that can trigger debates in Parliament and a backbench business committee in the Commons.

BBC

I trust it will trigger debates between health researchers and policy-makers and help to highlight the need for a consensus on effective climate policies.

Global Health Action

Now AP appears to have revised that description to "champagne", an act that has triggered debate about fashion's use of the word "nude".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

McIlroy's decision on whether to represent Great Britain or Ireland when golf returns to the Olympics in four years' time has also triggered debate.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for impact, select "trigger debate" over weaker synonyms like 'prompt discussion' for stronger effect.

Common error

Avoid using "trigger debate" to describe situations where debate already exists without a clear initiating event. Instead, focus on identifying the specific event that started the debate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger debate" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "trigger" acts as a transitive verb causing the noun "debate". As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase correctly forms a sentence and finds frequent usage in modern English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trigger debate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of initiating a discussion or argument. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for neutral and professional contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. Related phrases include "spark discussion" and "ignite controversy", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "trigger debate", ensure that there is a clear initiating event. Ludwig's analysis highlights that this phrase is a valuable tool for writers aiming to emphasize causality and highlight the starting point of discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give rise to debate

Indicates that something naturally leads to debate as a consequence.

spark discussion

Focuses more on initiating a general discussion rather than a potentially contentious debate.

prompt discussion

Implies a more gentle and less confrontational initiation of a discussion.

elicit discussion

Focuses on drawing out a discussion that was already potentially present.

generate discussion

Focuses on the creation of discussion, implying a more proactive approach.

ignite controversy

Suggests a more heated and polarizing reaction, implying strong disagreement.

set off discussion

Emphasizes the sudden and often unplanned nature of initiating a discussion.

initiate dialogue

Highlights the beginning of a conversation with the intent of mutual understanding.

instigate discourse

Formal and emphasizes a structured exchange of ideas.

foment controversy

Suggests actively stirring up disagreement, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "trigger debate" in a sentence?

Use "trigger debate" to highlight a specific event or action that starts a discussion or argument. For example, "The new policy is expected to "give rise to debate"/ "spark discussion" among stakeholders".

What are some alternatives to "trigger debate" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""spark discussion"", "ignite controversy", or "prompt discussion". The choice depends on the intensity and nature of the discussion you're describing.

Is there a difference between "trigger debate" and "spark debate"?

"Trigger debate" and "spark debate" are quite similar, but "trigger" suggests a more direct and immediate cause, while "spark" can imply a more gradual or subtle beginning to the debate.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "trigger debate"?

It's suitable in contexts where a clear event or statement causes a discussion, particularly when the discussion involves differing opinions or viewpoints. It is more suitable in situations that generate controversies or require immediate action.