trigger off

USAGE SUMMARY

"trigger off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to mean to cause something to happen, often as a result of some kind of action or event. For example, you could say, "The scandal triggered off a wave of public outrage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"People trigger off so easily".

The New York Times

The slightest spark of resistance would trigger off punishment bombings.

The Guardian

If it's bad, you don't want your temper to flare and have it trigger off the rest of the team.

The New York Times - Sports

A censor board said the film, "Final Solution," was "highly provocative and may trigger off unrest and communal violence," the BBC reported.

The New York Times

"If it is done early, without cooperation, it could trigger off a violent reaction," he added, while acknowledging the political momentum for return.

The New York Times

Inflationary settlements in the public sector do not, in themselves, directly trigger off a wage-price spiral, as their goods and services are not, on the whole, sold on the open market at a "price".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Specifically, the retroviral transduction approach imitates miRNA expression under physiological conditions, unlike transfection experiments that excessively over-express the miRNA and trigger off-target effects [ 39– 42].

BMC Genomics

While the use of a SORT1 antagonist approach is enticing owing to affinity for and efficacy in blocking PGRN uptake, this approach is also more likely to trigger off-target effects by disrupting binding between SORT1 and other ligands that occupy a similar binding pocket.

Human Molecular Genetics

Given that restoring exPGRN levels using SORT1 antagonists can potentially trigger off-target effects related to NTS (29), lipoprotein lipase (30) and LDL-receptor-associated protein (31) function and cause undesirable clinical side-effects, modulating the PGRN SORT1 interaction via PGRN-specific binders may be a promising approach.

Human Molecular Genetics

'It sort of all triggered off around that time.' It's hard to know what to say.

The Guardian

It triggers off memories, I suppose it always does when you go back to a home town.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trigger off" when you want to emphasize a cause-and-effect relationship, particularly when the cause is a specific event or action that sets off a series of consequences. For instance, "The new policy triggered off a series of protests."

Common error

Avoid using "trigger off" interchangeably with verbs that simply mean 'to start' without the implication of a reaction or consequence. "Start" is a more general term, while "trigger off" implies a more specific cause leading to a noticeable effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "trigger off" functions as a causative verb, indicating that something causes a subsequent action or event to occur. As Ludwig AI explains, it means to cause something to happen, often as a result of some kind of action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

41%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trigger off" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the initiation of a process or event, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts, with a neutral register suitable for general use. While generally acceptable, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "initiate" or "activate" in professional settings. The examples provided by Ludwig and other sources emphasize its role in describing how a specific action or situation can lead to a chain of consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set off

This alternative focuses on initiating a process or event, similar to starting a chain reaction.

spark off

This suggests a sudden beginning, often implying a catalyst for something larger.

initiate

This term is more formal and emphasizes the starting of a process or action.

activate

This alternative refers to making something operative or functional.

cause

A general term indicating that something leads to a specific result or effect.

generate

Focuses on the production or creation of something as a result of an action.

elicit

Suggests drawing out a response or reaction from something or someone.

prompt

This implies urging or encouraging something to happen.

instigate

This term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the starting of something undesirable.

bring about

This alternative indicates causing something to happen or exist.

FAQs

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

The phrase "trigger off" indicates causing something to begin or occur as a result of a specific action or event. For example, "The alarm system is designed to "set off" if there's a break-in" or "The new evidence "sparked off" a new investigation".

What are some alternatives to "trigger off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""set off"", "spark off", or "initiate" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "trigger" or "trigger off"?

While "trigger" can be used on its own, "trigger off" often emphasizes the resulting action or chain of events that follows the initial trigger. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the initial cause or the subsequent consequences.

Can "trigger off" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While "trigger off" is acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations may benefit from using alternatives like "initiate" or "activate" to maintain a more professional tone.