triggering event

USAGE SUMMARY

"triggering event" is a perfectly valid term in written English.
It is used to describe an event that causes a particular reaction or set of reactions. For example, "The closure of the factory was a triggering event that ignited widespread protests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That was the triggering event," he said.

The New York Times

I start with themes or relationships, sometimes a voice or a triggering event.

The Guardian

Therapists say the phobia often has nothing to do with the triggering event.

The New York Times - Health

So traders probably jumped on the Cheney thing as a triggering event, another reason to sell".

The New York Times

"That was the triggering event," said a person familiar with the case.

The New York Times

But it might be entirely untraceable to any sort of triggering event.

The New York Times

The triggering event was a tangent intersection as the curve pulled away from the line.

The New York Times

"There isn't any question that the triggering event was the action of the terrorists," said Marc S. Moller, a lawyer.

The New York Times

"It doesn't appear there was a triggering event," said Grossman, who said he spoke to other players in the game as well as people attending it.

The New York Times - Sports

"We could not determine a triggering event," said Dr. Loran Hayworth, a test pilot and human factors specialist with the Federal Aviation Administration.

The New York Times

When a "triggering" event occurs, like an exciting conversation with someone in a different profession, for example, they begin their search for what comes next.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "triggering event", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being triggered. Be specific about the resulting reaction or consequence to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "triggering event" casually, especially in discussions of trauma or mental health, where it could be insensitive. Opt for more neutral terms like "cause" or "factor" if the context is not clinical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "triggering event" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific occurrence that initiates a reaction, process, or change. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Forbes

5%

Health Research Policy and Systems

2%

Huffington Post

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "triggering event" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that identifies an event that initiates a reaction or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains, including science and news. While its formality is neutral, it's advisable to be mindful of the context, particularly when discussing sensitive issues. Alternatives such as "precipitating factor" or "instigating incident" can provide nuanced options depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Ensure clear communication by specifying what is being triggered to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precipitating factor

Focuses on the element that directly causes a result or outcome; emphasizes causality.

instigating incident

Highlights the event that sets the central conflict of a narrative in motion.

causative occurrence

Formal alternative emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship of an event.

underlying cause

Shifts focus to the fundamental reason behind a subsequent event or series of events.

initiating circumstance

Emphasizes the beginning or start of a sequence of events.

catalytic moment

Highlights the transformative nature of the event, emphasizing its role in accelerating change.

activating mechanism

Focuses on the process by which something is set into motion or becomes functional.

sparking factor

Conveys the idea of an event that ignites or sets off a chain reaction.

driving force

Highlights the element that provides the impetus or motivation for a specific action or result.

root cause

Focuses on the fundamental origin or reason behind a series of events, often more deeply embedded than the immediate trigger.

FAQs

How is "triggering event" used in a sentence?

The phrase "triggering event" identifies a specific occurrence that initiates a reaction or process. For example, "The announcement of the new policy was the "triggering event" for the strike".

What phrases can I use instead of "triggering event"?

Alternatives include "precipitating factor", "instigating incident", or "underlying cause", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "triggering event" appropriate for all contexts?

While grammatically correct, "triggering event" might be inappropriate in casual conversation, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Consider using alternative phrases that are more neutral, depending on your audience and the context.

What is the difference between a "triggering event" and a "root cause"?

A "triggering event" is the immediate cause that sets off a reaction, while a "root cause" is the fundamental, underlying reason that allowed the triggering event to occur. The "root cause" is often a deeper, less obvious factor.