triggered a response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "triggered a response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action or event that causes a reaction or reply from someone or something. Example: "The sudden noise triggered a response from the security team, who quickly assessed the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Though the comments were later denied by a spokesman for Angela Merkel, they triggered a response from Brussels, which took a softer line on possible concessions to Greece while stating membership of the eurozone was "irrevocable".

The Guardian - Business

These trials were necessary to establish whether the drug triggered a response in depressed patients and also to determine effective methods of administering it – for example, intravenously, nasally or subcutaneously.

The Guardian

Russia's determination to prop up the regime of Bashar al-Assad with bombing raids on Syrian rebels triggered a response from Nato members as the alliance pledged to double the size of its rapid response force.

Independent

Coming on the heels of interviews in which the current head of the Israeli Defense Force, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, appeared to put some distance between himself and his superiors about the effectiveness of sanctions and the rationality of the Iranian government, Mr. Diskin's remarks triggered a response equally harsh and personal from Mr. Netanyahu's allies.

The New York Times

Finally it triggered a response.

BBC

The latter incident, at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, triggered a response from an emergency swat team and more than 100 police officers.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Those that did ring failed to trigger a response.

The Economist

Buying EE will trigger a response from Vodafone, Liberty (owner of Virgin) and Telefonica's O2.

The Guardian - Business

These antibodies will trigger a response if they encounter the allergen again.

Independent

When a substance latches on to the outer part of a sensor protein, it causes it to change shape, triggering a response inside the cell.

The Guardian

It's a mixed picture that leaves Pacific leaders far from confident that this will finally be the year where their existential crisis triggers a response.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "triggered a response", ensure that the subject clearly identifies the cause, and the object specifies the resulting action or reaction. For example, "The new policy triggered a response from the employees."

Common error

Avoid using overly general subjects with "triggered a response". Be specific about what caused the reaction to maintain clarity. Instead of "The situation triggered a response", specify: "The unexpected market crash triggered a response from investors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "triggered a response" functions as a verb phrase indicating that an action or event acted as a stimulus, leading to a subsequent reaction. This is supported by the examples found by Ludwig, where various stimuli cause different reactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

43%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "triggered a response" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to express a cause-and-effect relationship, according to Ludwig. It is most frequently encountered in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the cause and the resulting action are clearly defined. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable and correct. Consider using synonyms like "elicited a reaction" or "provoked a reaction" for variety, though "triggered a response" remains a versatile and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicited a reaction

Emphasizes drawing out a response, slightly different in connotation from initiating it.

provoked a reaction

Highlights the potential for a strong or adverse reaction.

generated a response

Focuses on the creation or production of a response.

caused a reaction

Directly indicates causation of a reaction.

prompted a reply

Suggests a more direct and verbal answer or action.

sparked a reaction

Implies a sudden or immediate reaction.

set off a chain of events

Suggests a series of reactions or consequences following the initial trigger.

instigated a change

Focuses more on initiating a shift or alteration.

brought about a result

Highlights the achievement of a specific outcome due to the trigger.

catalyzed a reaction

Implies a chemical or accelerating effect on the reaction.

FAQs

What does "triggered a response" mean?

The phrase "triggered a response" means that something caused a reaction or answer. It implies a cause-and-effect relationship where one action initiates another.

What can I say instead of "triggered a response"?

You can use alternatives like "elicited a reaction", "provoked a reaction", or "generated a response" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "caused a response" or "triggered a response"?

Both "caused a response" and "triggered a response" are correct. "Triggered a response" often implies a more immediate or direct causation, while "caused a response" is a more general term for causation.

How can I use "triggered a response" in a sentence?

You can use "triggered a response" by clearly stating the cause before the phrase and the result after. Example: "The alarm "triggered a response" from the security system".