triggering discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "triggering discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that initiates or provokes a conversation or debate on a particular topic. Example: "The recent events have been triggering discussion among experts about the future of renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The following are a few suggestions for reform in the interest of triggering discussion and refinement: 1.

Huffington Post

Approaching bio-ethical issues in a simple but transparent manner may allow effective dissemination of messages between primary care providers and users and encourage informed choices about kidney donation [ 42]. Discussion of donation with one member of a family may also have an amplifying effect by triggering discussion and shaping the attitudes of other family members [ 43].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Results will be made available to managers later this summer, triggering discussions within units on follow-up efforts to enhance all employees' workplace experience.

Johns Hopkins University

Their concrete and quantitative nature made them useful in triggering discussions during the meetings and in electronic communication with stakeholders, thus helping in evoking reactions, discussions and inputs that have contributed to improving the storylines.

European Journal of Futures Research

It can be applied in an interdisciplinary meeting to collect different viewpoints on a DDD system and aims at triggering discussions and finding solutions for risks that might not be acceptable.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

The proposal for deletion of minimum liver weights for foie gras production(1) is a sensitive topic, triggering discussions among Members of the European Parliament, civil society organisations as well as stakeholders involved in foie gras production.

European Parliament

Reasonable disagreement triggers discussion and, perhaps, adjustments to the spreadsheet.

Harvard Business Review

"I'd like to trigger discussion about new relationships between science, art and globalisation".

The Guardian - Books

It will also, inevitably, trigger discussion as to whether this will be the year he can end his major drought.

The Guardian - Sport

Print and TV adverts are brilliant at triggering thoughts and forming opinions; vlogs, alongside social media, can become the perfect consumer-led forum to trigger discussion.

The Guardian

The resource includes prompts to trigger discussion, such as asking whether the process is like "playing god" and what uses genetic modification has been put to in medicine.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "triggering discussion" when you want to emphasize the act of initiating a conversation or debate, particularly when something specific prompts the exchange.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures what is actually triggering the discussion. Instead of "Discussion was triggered by...", use "The report triggered discussion about..." to maintain clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "triggering discussion" functions as a verbal noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it signifies the commencement or instigation of a conversational exchange.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "triggering discussion" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe initiating a conversation or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is particularly useful in contexts where you want to emphasize the act of prompting an exchange of ideas, as seen in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While "triggering discussion" is generally neutral in register, it's important to use it with clarity, avoiding passive voice constructions that obscure the source of the discussion. Consider alternatives like "sparking conversation" or "initiating dialogue" to fine-tune the emphasis of your writing. Remember to distinguish between "triggering" and "facilitating" a discussion, as they represent different roles in the conversational process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparking conversation

Emphasizes the immediate and lively nature of the discussion that begins.

initiating dialogue

Focuses on the beginning of a more formal or structured conversation.

prompting discourse

Highlights the act of encouraging a thoughtful and extended exchange of ideas.

fostering debate

Implies the creation of an environment conducive to argument and counter-argument.

inciting conversation

Suggests a more provocative or controversial beginning to a discussion.

generating dialogue

Highlights that the conversation didn't previously exist and is now being created.

kickstarting conversation

Emphasizes the swift and energetic beginning of a discussion.

setting off debate

Focuses on the action that starts the debate. Similar to 'triggering' but with a different verb.

catalyzing discussion

Implies that something speeds up or facilitates the discussion. Suggests a change is caused by the discussion.

inviting dialogue

Focuses on the act of making dialogue more appealing or accessible.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "triggering discussion" in a sentence?

You can replace "triggering discussion" with phrases like "sparking conversation", "initiating dialogue", or "prompting discourse" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "triggering discussion" or "triggering a discussion"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Triggering discussion" is more general, while "triggering a discussion" implies a specific, defined conversation.

What kind of topics are suitable for "triggering discussion"?

"Triggering discussion" is appropriate for any topic where you want to initiate dialogue, such as social issues, ethical dilemmas, or new research findings. It fits subjects that call for analysis and opinions.

What is the difference between "triggering discussion" and "facilitating discussion"?

"Triggering discussion" means starting a conversation, while "facilitating discussion" means guiding and moderating a conversation that is already in progress. They represent different stages of interaction.