What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trigger
Example
The sound of fireworks can trigger anxiety in some people. [trigger: verb]
Example
The smell of freshly baked cookies triggered memories of her childhood. [triggered: past tense]
Example
The trigger on the gun was pulled, and the bullet was fired. [trigger: noun]
cause
Example
Smoking can cause lung cancer. [cause: verb]
Example
The cause of the accident was determined to be a faulty brake system. [cause: noun]
Example
The heavy rain caused the river to flood. [caused: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cause is more commonly used than trigger in everyday language. Cause is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while trigger is less common and often used in specific emotional or psychological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trigger and cause?
Cause is more formal than trigger and is commonly used in scientific or technical writing. Trigger is more informal and is often used in casual conversation or in psychological or emotional contexts.
