trigger for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate something that causes or initiates a particular response or action, often in psychological or emotional contexts. Example: "The loud noise was a trigger for her anxiety, causing her to feel overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Often, the trigger for poverty is illness.

The New York Times

Was that the trigger for a killing?

The New York Times

Bad visual trigger for vertigo sufferers".

The Guardian - Film

Smell is a big trigger for me.

The New Yorker

"No one pulled that trigger for me," he says.

The New Yorker

"It was a really simple trigger for me," he said.

The Guardian

The Kashmir conflict is a potential trigger for nuclear war.

The New York Times

The trigger for both was a police action.

The Guardian - Books

What's the right trigger for a new version?

The Guardian - Tech

It is probably not the trigger for puberty.

The Guardian

The other equal trigger, for me, was its authoritarianism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trigger for" to clearly indicate the event or factor that initiates a specific action or reaction. For example, "Stress can be a major "trigger for" migraines".

Common error

Avoid using "trigger for" when a simpler term like "cause of" is more appropriate. "Trigger for" often implies a specific, sometimes subtle, initiating factor, while "cause of" is more general.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger for" functions as a prepositional phrase that specifies the cause or stimulus that initiates a particular action, reaction, or event. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used across a variety of contexts to highlight what sets something in motion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trigger for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to identify the initiating cause of an event or reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "catalyst for" or "cause of" exist, "trigger for" is particularly effective when emphasizing the specific factor that sets something in motion. Remember to use it when you want to highlight the instigating element with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catalyst for

This phrase suggests something that speeds up or initiates a reaction or event, often used in scientific or abstract contexts.

cause of

This is a more general term indicating the reason or origin of something.

stimulus for

This term implies something that provokes or encourages a specific response or activity, often used in psychology or physiology.

impetus for

This suggests something that provides the driving force or motivation behind an action or event.

reason for

This suggests a logical explanation or justification for an event or action.

source of

This indicates the origin or starting point of something.

basis for

This phrase implies the underlying foundation or reason for something.

foundation for

Similar to "basis for", this emphasizes the fundamental support or groundwork.

the start of

Highlights beginning/initiation of something.

genesis of

This implies the origin or mode of formation of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "trigger for" indicates what initiates a particular reaction or event. For instance, "The loud noise was a "trigger for" her anxiety" or "The new policy was the "trigger for" the protests".

What can I say instead of "trigger for"?

You can use alternatives like "catalyst for", "cause of", or "stimulus for" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "trigger for" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific, medical, or psychological contexts where a precise term is needed to describe an initiating event or factor.

What's the difference between "trigger for" and "cause of"?

"Trigger for" often implies a specific, initiating event that sets off a reaction, whereas "cause of" is a more general term for the reason or origin of something. For example, "Stress is a "trigger for" migraines", while "Poor diet is a "cause of" many health problems".