Usage of 引发
The verb 引发 (yǐnfā) means 'to trigger' or 'to cause' something, often referring to events, reactions, or consequences. It is commonly used in formal or written contexts such as news reports, academic discussions, or serious conversations.
Common contexts
引发 is frequently used with nouns like 事故 (accident), 争论 (debate), 反应 (reaction), or 关注 (attention), emphasizing the initiation or provocation of an event or response.
Collocations and patterns
- 引发事故: to cause an accident
- 引发争论: to spark debate
- 引发关注: to attract attention
- 引发反应: to trigger a reaction
These collocations highlight 引发’s role in causing something significant or noteworthy.
Nuance and register
引发 carries a somewhat formal tone and is less likely to be used in casual daily conversation. It often implies a chain or series of effects starting from a specific cause.
Common confusion
Do not confuse 引发 with 引起 (yǐnqǐ), which also means 'to cause.' 引发 often suggests a stronger or more direct triggering effect, especially for events with broader impact.