trigger the action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger the action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something will initiate or cause a specific action to occur. Example: "The new software update will trigger the action needed to enhance system performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And since these are posted at the same time each day, it feels spammy when suddenly 5 friends have graphs posted automatically when they didn't trigger the action.

TechCrunch

As Taub writes, "If Trump loses the election, that will not remove the threats and social changes that trigger the "action side" of authoritarianism.

Huffington Post

TRPV in proximal segment may act as a secondary channel that generates depolarizing current needed to trigger the action potentials.

Plosone

Since RcsC can sense external signals to trigger the action of the Rcs pathway, this result would provide a mechanism by which RcsB modifies the capacity of the bacteria to perceive changes in growth temperature.

Bioscience Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some critics have felt an absence: that of the male dictator, whose brutality – and flight – have triggered the action.

The Guardian

This is the key event that triggers the action in the superficially idyllic West Country village of Pagford, whose well-heeled inhabitants are at war with the nearby council estate, The Fields.

The Guardian - Books

But it's an unpredictable, impromptu act that triggers the action, and Herrin's production shows how easily everything can swivel round, and how quickly misery tips into farce.

The Guardian

What triggered the action was the streaming of clips from nominated TV scripts shortly beforehand, including Mr. Gaiman's; uStream later apologized and said it would stop using a third-party "automated infringement system" that it apparently couldn't override.

The New York Times

For the previous actions, we assume that the devices execute specified operations once the user triggers the action.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

The Collateral Freedom platform had recently been used by independent Chinese news site Boxun, via Edgecast, which Great Fire told Quartz could have triggered the action.

TechCrunch

When you bring an object fitted with a RFID chip close to its surface, it reacts, emits a sound to signal that it has detected it, then triggers the action or service associated to that particular object.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trigger the action" when you want to emphasize a specific event or condition that sets off a series of subsequent events. It's especially useful in technical or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "trigger the action" in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or technical. Opt for simpler alternatives like "start" or "begin" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger the action" functions as a verb phrase initiating a noun phrase. It signifies the commencement or instigation of a particular activity or process. This aligns with Ludwig's findings, which confirm its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

45%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trigger the action" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the commencement or initiation of a specific activity or process. According to Ludwig, this expression is suitable for various formal contexts such as news, science, and technical documents. While it may sound somewhat formal for everyday conversation, it is perfectly appropriate for describing cause-and-effect relationships. Consider alternatives like "initiate the action" or "start the action" for more casual contexts. The authoritative sources confirm its usage across reputable platforms, emphasizing its reliability in conveying precise meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate the action

Replaces "trigger" with "initiate", focusing on the commencement of the action.

activate the action

Replaces "trigger" with "activate", emphasizing the activation or enabling of the action.

spark the action

Replaces "trigger" with "spark", highlighting the sudden or energetic initiation of the action.

prompt the action

Replaces "trigger" with "prompt", suggesting the action is a direct result of something.

set off the action

Replaces "trigger" with "set off", implying a chain reaction or sequence of events.

cause the action

Replaces "trigger" with "cause", focusing on the direct causation of the action.

elicit the action

Replaces "trigger" with "elicit", emphasizing the drawing forth of the action as a response.

start the action

Replaces "trigger" with "start", using a simpler verb for beginning an action.

instigate the action

Replaces "trigger" with "instigate", implying the action might involve conflict or controversy.

generate the action

Replaces "trigger" with "generate", highlighting the creation of action.

FAQs

How can I use "trigger the action" in a sentence?

You can use "trigger the action" to describe what initiates a process. For example, "The alarm will trigger the action of the fire suppression system."

What are some alternatives to "trigger the action"?

Some alternatives include "initiate the action", "activate the action", or "start the action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "trigger the action" formal or informal?

"Trigger the action" leans toward the formal side, making it suitable for technical documents, reports, and professional communication. Simpler phrases might be better for informal settings.

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

"Trigger the action" often implies a more immediate or direct initiation, whereas "cause the action" suggests a broader sense of causation that might involve a series of steps or indirect effects.