triggered

USAGE SUMMARY

"triggered" is a correct and usable word in written English.
The word can be used to describe being emotionally or mentally upset in response to something external, such as a situation or event. For example: "The sound of the fire alarm triggered a feeling of panic in everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big shifts have been triggered on the ground, too, with several Hollywood studios getting seriously involved in local productions.

The Guardian - Film

The prime minister tried to move the focus to Miliband after Reckless, whose defection from the Conservatives triggered the byelection, inflicted a humiliating blow.

The Guardian

The protests were triggered by the Ukrainian government's decision to prioritise relations with Russia over integration into the European Union.

The Guardian

Lawyers dispute precisely when that referendum would be triggered by the act, but it is agreed an increase in majority voting at EU level, so reducing national sovereingty, would require a referendum.

The Guardian

The kidnappings triggered worldwide protests and military assistance from western governments, but 219 girls are still missing.

The Guardian

However, the election result has triggered a strong reaction from many students.

The Guardian

First identified in humans in 2012, Mers is caused by a coronavirus from the same family as the one that triggered Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or Sars.

The Guardian

The mayhem was triggered when Mr Agius refused to serve Buck more alcohol, after topping up his glass 15 times in the course of the 10-hour flight from Seattle to London, where REM were due to play a "Freedom Day" concert in Trafalgar Square in honour of Nelson Mandela.

The Guardian

The rush to make a new offer on devolution, promised within hours of the shock poll result on Sunday, triggered accusations of panic and bogus bribes from Alex Salmond, the first minister.

The Guardian

The court's previous verdicts have triggered street violence.

The Guardian

The exact words that triggered the end of Brian's life, and the start of Ben's, are a secret he keeps out of respect for the dead boy's family.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "triggered" in the context of emotional responses, be mindful of the potential sensitivity surrounding the term. Ensure it is used appropriately and respectfully.

Common error

Avoid using "triggered" excessively in casual conversation to describe mild annoyances or preferences, as it can diminish the impact of the word when discussing genuine emotional distress or trauma.

Linguistic Context

"Triggered" functions primarily as a past participle or adjective. As a past participle, it's used in passive voice constructions to indicate something has been initiated. As an adjective, it describes something that is activated by a specific condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "triggered" is a versatile word that functions as both a verb (past participle) and an adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to describe the act of initiating a reaction, event, or process. While generally neutral in register, sensitivity should be considered when discussing emotional responses. It appears very frequently in news and media sources. Alternatives include "initiated", "sparked", and "activated", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember to be mindful of the context and audience when using "triggered", especially when referring to potentially sensitive topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated

Replaces "triggered" with a more formal term, emphasizing the beginning of a process or event.

sparked

Suggests a sudden and often energetic beginning, similar to lighting a fire.

set off

Similar to "triggered", but can imply a chain reaction or sequence of events.

activated

Implies that something was made operative or functional, often in a mechanical or technical sense.

instigated

Similar to "initiated" but can imply a more deliberate or planned action.

prompted

Indicates that something encouraged or caused an action or response.

brought about

Indicates that something was directly responsible for causing an event or situation.

caused

A general term indicating that something brought about a result or effect.

generated

Implies the creation or production of something as a result of a specific action.

gave rise to

A more figurative way of saying that something caused something else to happen or exist.

FAQs

How is "triggered" typically used in a sentence?

The word "triggered" is commonly used to describe something that has initiated or caused a reaction, event, or process. For instance, "The alarm was "activated" when the door was opened", or "The news "prompted" a wave of protests".

What are some alternatives to using "triggered"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "triggered" include "initiated", "sparked", "activated", "prompted", or "set off".

Is it appropriate to use "triggered" in a formal context?

Yes, "triggered" is acceptable in formal contexts, particularly when describing events or processes. However, be mindful of the specific context and audience, as some may prefer more formal alternatives like "initiated" or "brought about".

When is it not appropriate to use "triggered"?

While "triggered" is widely used, it can be perceived as insensitive in certain contexts, especially when discussing trauma or emotional distress. In these situations, it's important to be mindful of the potential impact of your language and choose more sensitive alternatives.