trigger emotions

USAGE SUMMARY

"trigger emotions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an action that causes a powerful and often unexpected emotional response. For example, "The sudden, unexpected death of his mother triggered deep emotions of sorrow and loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Their constellations of mysterious marks are like waves of sound that trigger emotions.

The Guardian - Arts

But I do want to trigger emotions like his movies triggered our emotions".

The Guardian - Film

At their best they also trigger emotions we prize as marks of great art.

The New York Times

Can you detect any habitual paths that your wandering mind takes -- for example, do your daydreams trigger emotions that influence subsequent perceptions and actions?

Yale University

"I'm worried that the unexpected actions of a few could trigger emotions and possibly lead to an uncontrollable situation," said Baek Seung Hyun, a political science professor at Kyung Hee University.

The New York Times

(One researcher at Ohio State argued that vibrato might trigger emotions in listeners because it simulates the sound of a voice trembling with fear). Above all, bel canto is loud.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Yet despite the adjustments, airports remain the place where it is easy to trigger emotion.

The New York Times

Stories that trigger emotion are the ones that best inform, illuminate, inspire, and move people to action.

Harvard Business Review

If triggering emotions is the highest prize, and negative emotions are easier to trigger, how could social media not make you sad?

The Guardian - Books

Assange argued that it was mostly fragmentary and garbled, but Gudmundsson insisted: "It is just used all the time for triggering emotions".

The New Yorker

The researchers showed participants funny video clips of cats (triggering emotions of low motivational intensity) and clips of delicious-looking desserts (bringing out high motivational intensity).

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trigger emotions", ensure the subject clearly identifies what causes the emotional response. For example, "The film's ending triggered emotions of sadness and nostalgia."

Common error

Avoid using overly vague subjects when using "trigger emotions". Be specific about what is causing the emotional response. For example, instead of saying "The situation triggered emotions", specify what aspect of the situation caused the emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger emotions" functions as a verb phrase, where "trigger" acts as a transitive verb taking "emotions" as its direct object. It describes the action of causing or initiating emotional responses. Ludwig AI shows many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trigger emotions" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the action of causing or initiating emotional responses. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it appears in various contexts, from news articles to academic discussions. The phrase carries a neutral register and is suitable for describing the cause-and-effect relationship between a stimulus and the resulting emotions. It's important to be specific about what is causing the emotions to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "elicit emotions", "evoke emotions", and "stir emotions", which offer slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit emotions

Focuses on drawing out emotions that are already present.

evoke emotions

Emphasizes the act of summoning or calling forth emotions.

stir emotions

Highlights the act of arousing or exciting emotions.

provoke emotions

Suggests a stronger, potentially negative, elicitation of emotions.

arouse emotions

Focuses on awakening or activating dormant emotions.

ignite emotions

Implies a sudden and intense emotional reaction.

spark emotions

Suggests a gentle or subtle beginning of emotional response.

generate emotional responses

Focuses on the creation of feelings as a reaction to a stimulus.

induce emotional states

Emphasizes a more formal or clinical perspective on causing emotions.

activate emotional responses

Focuses on the activation of feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "trigger emotions" to describe how certain stimuli or events cause emotional responses. For example, "Certain smells can "trigger emotions" associated with childhood memories".

What can I say instead of "trigger emotions"?

You can use alternatives like "elicit emotions", "evoke emotions", or "stir emotions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "trigger emotions" or "trigger emotional response"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "trigger emotions" is more concise and commonly used. "trigger emotional response" is more formal and can be used when greater emphasis is needed.

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

"Trigger emotions" implies a more immediate and perhaps unexpected emotional response, while "cause emotions" is a more general term for something that brings about feelings. "Trigger emotions" often suggests a strong and relatively sudden reaction.