Cool MateTrigger vs Where's the detonator
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Trigger
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Where's the detonator
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Trigger
| Trigger | Where's the detonator | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈtrɪɡə(r)/","/ˈtrɪɡəz/","/ˈtrɪɡəd/","/ˈtrɪɡərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtrɪɡər/","/ˈtrɪɡərz/","/ˈtrɪɡərd/","/ˈtrɪɡərɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈdɛtəneɪtə//🇺🇸 //ˈdɛtəneɪtər// |
| Meaning | To cause something to happen. | A device that triggers an explosion. |
| Example | Nuts can trigger off a violent allergic reaction. | In the movie, the hero asks, 'Where's the detonator?' before defusing the bomb. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | trigger a response, trigger an alarm, trigger emotions, trigger a memory, trigger a reaction | find the detonator, activate the detonator, detonator switch, detonator circuit |
| Antonyms | calm, deactivate, stop | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'trigger' without an object (e.g. 'The noise triggered' instead of 'The noise triggered a reaction')., Confusing with 'triggered' as a noun., Mixing up with 'impact' or 'affect' too broadly. | Confusing 'detonator' with 'trigger' which has a broader meaning., Using it in non-explosive contexts., Incorrectly assuming it refers to any electronic device. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. Often used to describe a cause-and-effect relationship, especially in psychology or discussions about emotions. Avoid when discussing less serious or trivial matters. | Used in contexts involving explosives or devices. Should not be used in casual or non-serious conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Trigger vs Where's the detonator
What's the difference between Trigger and Where's the detonator?
Trigger: To cause something to happen. Where's the detonator: A device that triggers an explosion.
Which is more common: Trigger and Where's the detonator?
Trigger is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Trigger: Nuts can trigger off a violent allergic reaction. Where's the detonator: In the movie, the hero asks, 'Where's the detonator?' before defusing the bomb.
Can I use Trigger and Where's the detonator interchangeably?
Not always. Trigger and Where's the detonator are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.