a fire commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fire commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of a fire, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As the dry leaves piled up, a fire commenced, quickly spreading through the forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The transcript (included below) doesn't explicitly designate where Williams was when the enemy fire commenced.

The Washington Post

As soon as the Khmer Rouge fire commenced, the controllers in the zone notified the Air Force forward air controllers (FACs) flying overhead in 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron OV-10s.

Wikipedia

Just as I got into the rear approach which joins the trench on the right heavy firing commenced at the Mamelon.

The New York Times

Firing commenced at 05:45 on 14 June.

Wikipedia

Firing commenced on 2 September, and lasted until the Danes surrendered on 7 September.

Wikipedia

Debating the move in the House of Commons in 2003, Kennedy set out his position: There stands no contradiction between giving voice to legitimate anxiety and at the same time, as and when exchange of fire commences, looking to the rest of the country, as well as all of us in the house, to give full moral support to our forces.

The Guardian

Mr. Johnson said the four police officers who shot Mr. Diallo should be treated "like any other individual who would have rolled up in front of a building, pulled out a gun and commenced to fire at another individual with the intent to cause their death".

The New York Times

"Here the men stopped, and commenced firing; but a lull in the fire of the enemy enforced the order to move forward, and in little more time than it takes to write it we had captured and occupied a section of the main line of Confederate works," recounted a captain who later wrote a history of the regiment.

The New York Times

After the school commenced its active shooter lockdown, he allegedly pulled a fire alarm so he could kill more people as they fled the building.

Vice

Whereupon a crawl commenced.

The New York Times - Travel

A crackdown commenced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fire commenced" in formal or descriptive writing to denote the beginning of a fire, especially when aiming for a slightly elevated or literary tone. Consider alternative phrasing for everyday conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "a fire commenced" in informal contexts. Simpler phrases like "a fire started" are often more appropriate for casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fire commenced" functions as a declarative statement, describing the initiation of a fire. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, though examples demonstrating frequency are absent.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fire commenced" is a grammatically correct way to describe the start of a fire, though it carries a more formal tone than alternatives like "a fire started". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid but lacks extensive examples in common usage. It is best suited for descriptive writing where a slightly elevated tone is desired. When speaking or writing informally, simpler alternatives are generally more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fire started

This is a simpler and more direct way to say that a fire began.

a fire broke out

This alternative uses a more common idiom to describe the sudden start of a fire.

a blaze ignited

This alternative uses a more vivid word, "ignited", to describe the start of a fire, suggesting a rapid onset.

the fire erupted

This paints the fire as something that started suddenly and violently.

a fire was triggered

This suggests an external cause initiated the fire.

a wildfire sparked

Specifically refers to the beginning of a fire in a natural setting.

a conflagration began

This uses a more formal and intense term, "conflagration", to describe a large and destructive fire.

the inferno sparked off

Inferno implies a large, uncontrolled blaze, and 'sparked off' indicates a sudden beginning.

flames arose

This poetic alternative focuses on the visual emergence of flames.

a combustion initiated

This alternative emphasizes the chemical process of burning.

FAQs

How can I use "a fire commenced" in a sentence?

You can use "a fire commenced" to describe the beginning of a fire, especially in narrative or descriptive contexts. For example, "As the dry leaves piled up, a fire commenced, quickly spreading through the forest."

What are some alternatives to "a fire commenced"?

Alternatives include "a fire started", "a fire broke out", or "a blaze ignited", depending on the desired tone and context.

Is "a fire commenced" too formal for everyday speech?

Yes, "a fire commenced" is generally more formal than alternatives. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "a fire started" are typically preferred.

What is the difference between "a fire commenced" and "a fire started"?

"A fire commenced" is a more formal and less common way of saying "a fire started". The latter is more widely used in everyday language.