triggered the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "triggered the idea" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the cause or inspiration of an idea or thought. Example: The art exhibit we went to yesterday triggered the idea for my next painting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

results triggered the idea of cross-layer TCP protocol design for single-user scenarios.

University of California, Berkeley

My play "The Swamp Dwellers" had little to do with what had triggered the idea.

The New York Times

The analytical and simulation results triggered the idea of cross-layer TCP protocol design for single-user scenarios.

University of California, Berkeley

"There's a lot of information for older people, a lot for parents and young children, but nothing in between, and that's what triggered the idea".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've not hidden the fact that David Peace's portrait of Brian Clough in The Damned United triggered the idea that the internal struggle of Richey Edwards was worth exploring.

The Guardian - Music

"That triggered the idea of a digital platform to help everyone make better decisions".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

News stories triggered the ideas for all but one of my novels.

Yale University

This can trigger the idea that a female candidate is "masculine" -- or worse, a certain b-word comes to mind.

The Washington Post

You could put your child's shoes on the wrong feet just once, and trigger the idea that they died because you failed them.

Independent

Mr. Ade, who performed at S.O.B.'s last week, has appeared in New York semi-regularly over the last decade, though he does not have the same hungry audience that he did in the early 80's when his reception here helped trigger the idea of world music.

The New York Times - Arts

Thanks to Merlin Mann for sparking the idea about your brain as a computer, to Shane Parrish for triggering the idea that creative work should come first, and to Ian C., a reader in our community, for prompting the swimming metaphor.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "triggered the idea", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause-and-effect relationship between the triggering event and the subsequent idea. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what exactly led to the formation of the idea.

Common error

While acceptable, "triggered the idea" can sound informal in some academic or business contexts. Consider more formal alternatives like "led to the concept" or "gave rise to the idea" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "triggered the idea" functions as a causal connector, linking an event, observation, or stimulus to the formation of a new thought or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "triggered the idea" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express the cause or inspiration behind a thought, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, it serves to explain the origin of a concept. While suitable for various registers, more formal alternatives may be preferred in some settings. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing by directly associating the cause with the subsequent idea. For alternatives, consider phrases like "sparked the concept" or "led to the concept" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparked the concept

Similar to 'triggered', but emphasizes the initial moment of inspiration for a concept.

initiated the thought

Focuses on the beginning of a thought process, rather than just an idea.

prompted the notion

Implies a suggestion or encouragement leading to a notion.

gave rise to the idea

Highlights the creation or emergence of an idea as a result.

led to the concept

Indicates a progression or pathway culminating in the concept.

instigated the thought

Suggests a more active or deliberate beginning to a thought.

inspired the plan

Specifically refers to the impetus behind a plan or strategy.

motivated the creation

Emphasizes the drive or reason behind the formation of something new.

catalyzed the innovation

Uses a scientific metaphor to describe the acceleration of an innovative idea.

planted the seed of an idea

Metaphorically describes the beginning of an idea development.

FAQs

How can I use "triggered the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "triggered the idea" to show what caused an idea to form. For example, "Seeing the old photos "triggered the idea" for a historical novel".

What is a good alternative to "triggered the idea"?

Alternatives include phrases like "sparked the concept", "prompted the notion", or "led to the concept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "triggered off the idea" instead of "triggered the idea"?

While "triggered" can be used with "off" in other contexts, it is more common and grammatically standard to say ""triggered the idea"" when discussing the cause of an idea's formation.

What's the difference between "triggered the idea" and "inspired the idea"?

"Triggered the idea" suggests a direct cause-and-effect, while "inspired the idea" implies a more emotional or creative influence. Inspiration often involves a sense of enthusiasm or motivation that is not necessarily present when something simply triggers an idea.