triggered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "triggered by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that sets off a reaction or a chain of events. For example, "Their decision to move abroad was triggered by the economic crisis in their home country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The hallucinations were triggered by illnesses.

The New Yorker

Were they triggered by American strength?

The Economist

Bombs triggered by decoy bombs.

The New York Times - Health

Sometimes they are triggered by the intellect.

The New York Times - Books

The ideas are triggered by the world".

The Guardian - Film

The condition is triggered by extreme stress.

The Guardian

"I'd say it was triggered by it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For me, this is triggered by meatballs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All triggered by the Costello incident?

The Guardian - Music

The condition can also be triggered by faulty inherited genes.

The Guardian

The recent soul-searching is not just triggered by remorse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "triggered by", ensure that the subject causing the trigger is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "triggered by" casually, especially when discussing sensitive topics like trauma, as it can be insensitive. Consider using alternatives like "caused by" or "prompted by" in these cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "triggered by" functions as a passive construction indicating causation or initiation. It describes an event or action that is set in motion by a preceding cause. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "triggered by" is a versatile phrase used to indicate direct causation or initiation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to be mindful of its potential impact in sensitive contexts, as noted in the writing guidance. Alternatives such as "caused by" or "prompted by" can be more appropriate depending on the situation. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, and its frequent use underscores its importance in explaining cause-and-effect relationships. Always ensure clarity in your writing by explicitly identifying what is causing the trigger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caused by

This alternative emphasizes the direct causation of an event.

initiated by

This highlights the start or commencement of a process or event.

brought about by

This indicates a more indirect or complex causation.

prompted by

This suggests a stimulus or encouragement leading to an action.

sparked by

This is used when an event quickly ignites a reaction.

set off by

This implies a mechanism or device that starts something.

instigated by

This suggests a deliberate starting of something, often with negative connotations.

occasioned by

This implies that a situation provides the opportunity for an event to happen.

generated by

This indicates that something has been produced or created as a result.

activated by

This is used when something is made active or operational by another factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "triggered by" to indicate that something has initiated or caused a specific reaction or event. For instance, "The protest was triggered by the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "triggered by"?

Alternatives include "caused by", "initiated by", or "prompted by", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "triggered by" and "caused by"?

While both indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, "triggered by" often implies a more immediate or specific reaction, whereas "caused by" can refer to a more general or underlying reason.

When is it appropriate to use "triggered by"?

"Triggered by" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the event or factor that directly sets off a particular response or chain of events. It's commonly used in both technical and everyday contexts.