which triggered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which triggered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something caused or initiated a particular event or reaction. Example: "The sudden change in temperature was the factor which triggered the alarm system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The events which triggered the inquiries are fundamentally different, however.

The Guardian

His greenside bunker shot at the last, which triggered a birdie, was nerveless.

The Guardian - Sport

The Samsung TabPro S, which triggered this article, is a well-built, snappy and attractive tablet.

The Guardian - Tech

"The contractor was removing a roof joint, which triggered the fall of bricks," he said.

The New York Times

That set him to thinking about oil, which triggered thoughts about Henry Ford.

The Guardian - Books

For some reason, it was that final speech which triggered the observation.

The Guardian

Investors around the world panicked at the move which triggered weeks of turmoil on global markets.

The Guardian - Business

Think about the collapse of the Thai baht in 1997, which triggered the Asian crisis.

The New York Times

In a single moment of craziness, the bacon turned black, which triggered the smoke alarm.

The New York Times

For van der Horst, it was these stiff, stilted associations which triggered the move.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr Peevski suddenly removed large sums from CCB, which triggered a run on the bank.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which triggered", ensure the relationship between the cause and effect is clear and direct. Avoid ambiguity by placing the phrase close to both the cause and the result.

Common error

Avoid using "which triggered" when the connection between the initial event and the subsequent outcome is tenuous or unclear. Ensure a strong, logical link between the two to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which triggered" functions as a relative clause, specifically a non-restrictive (or non-essential) clause. It provides additional information about the noun it modifies, indicating a causal relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

5%

Huffington Post

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which triggered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that effectively establishes cause-and-effect relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and general media. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure a clear connection between the cause and the triggered event. Alternatives like "that caused" or "that led to" can offer nuanced expressions, but "which triggered" remains a reliable choice. With its widespread presence in authoritative sources, mastering its usage is a valuable asset for clear and concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that caused

Emphasizes the direct relationship between cause and effect.

that led to

Highlights the progression from one event to another.

that prompted

Indicates that something encouraged or motivated the subsequent action.

that resulted in

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of the initial event.

that initiated

Focuses on the beginning of an action or process.

that brought about

Emphasizes the act of causing something to happen or exist.

that sparked

Suggests a sudden and often energetic beginning.

that set off

Suggests a chain reaction or a series of events that followed.

that gave rise to

Indicates the creation or emergence of something new.

that instigated

Implies deliberate initiation, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

Use "which triggered" to connect an action or event to its direct consequence. For example, "The alarm, "which triggered" a security response, was set off by a faulty sensor."

What are some alternatives to "which triggered"?

Alternatives include "that caused", "that led to", or "that prompted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "that triggered" and "which triggered"?

The choice between "that" and "which" depends on whether the clause is restrictive (essential to the sentence's meaning) or non-restrictive (adds extra information). "Which" is generally used with a comma to introduce non-restrictive clauses.

Can "which triggered" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "which triggered" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to express a cause-and-effect relationship, suitable for academic, business, and professional contexts.