ability to ignite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to ignite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing someone's capacity to inspire, motivate, or trigger a reaction in others. Example: "Her ability to ignite passion in her students is what makes her an exceptional teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr. Kuhner's ability to ignite a news media brush fire nonetheless illustrates how easily dubious and politically charged information can spread through the constant chatter of cable news commentary, talk radio programs and political Web sites.

The New York Times

Cast as a biography, the book records Jennet's life, contrasting the patience and generosity of spirit a mother needs when dealing with a disabled child and an alcoholic husband with the selfishness required to be an artist.Raised in South-East anda and India, and based now in Oxford, Ms Kay has an unusual ability to ignite the imagination.

The Economist

Repetitively pulsed, nonequilibrium plasma discharges are studied for their ability to ignite and stabilize methane jet flames in cross flow air.

Combustion and Flame

The complete flammability characteristic requires the determination of the basic parameters of Bisphenol A under fire conditions including Heat Release Rate, speed of combustion, ability to ignite and the temperature of the decomposition range.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Valued by the military for its density and ability to ignite upon impact, depleted uranium bombs continue to kill years after they've been dropped.

Huffington Post

Powerful, fearless, and intense, Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman has made a name for himself in the NFL based upon his passion, his strength and his ability to ignite his team and intimidate opponents.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They have the power to ignite.

Huffington Post

While the long-term impact is still to be determined and assessed, there is one thing of which I am certain: it is essential that those of us who value the ability of art to ignite thought continue to bother.

Huffington Post

The six-figure sale is one of the highest prices paid online for art, and serves as powerful testimony to the ability of the Internet to ignite a sales frenzy.

The New York Times

The six-figure sale is not only one of the highest prices paid online for art, it is also a powerful testimony to the ability of the Internet to ignite a sales frenzy, even for expensive items that may or may not be what people think they are.

The New York Times

Moisture affects the burn rate for wood and when moisture content is high, it can affect the ability of the wood to ignite.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's qualities, use "ability to ignite" to convey their capacity to motivate, inspire, or trigger significant reactions or changes. For instance, "Her ability to ignite passion in her students made her an exceptional teacher".

Common error

While "ability to ignite" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated synonyms like "capacity to stimulate", "potential to catalyze", or "aptitude for inspiring" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to ignite" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the capacity or potential to initiate or stimulate a reaction, process, or emotion. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating a particular attribute or capability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to ignite" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It signifies the capacity or potential to initiate or stimulate something, whether it is a physical reaction, an emotion, or a process. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears in reputable sources, including news media and scientific publications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though more formal synonyms may be preferable in academic writing. When using the phrase, it is important to consider synonyms such as "capacity to spark" or "potential to trigger" to avoid overuse in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to spark

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "ignite" with "spark", both offering near-synonymous alternatives.

potential to trigger

Shifts the focus to potential and replaces "ignite" with "trigger", suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship.

power to inspire

Emphasizes the inspirational aspect, changing "ignite" to "inspire" and "ability" to "power".

aptitude to kindle

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude" and "ignite" with "kindle", both offering a slightly more formal tone.

skill at sparking

Focuses on the skill involved and replaces "ignite" with "sparking", highlighting the action.

talent for provoking

Shifts the meaning slightly towards causing a reaction, using "talent" and "provoking".

capacity to initiate

Focuses on the ability to begin or start something, replacing "ignite" with "initiate".

knack for setting off

Uses a more informal tone, suggesting a natural talent for triggering events.

faculty of instigating

Implies a formal or official capacity to initiate actions, using "faculty" and "instigating".

competence to arouse

Emphasizes proficiency and replaces "ignite" with "arouse", suggesting a stirring of emotions or interest.

FAQs

What does "ability to ignite" mean?

The phrase "ability to ignite" refers to the capacity to initiate, provoke, or stimulate a reaction, emotion, or process. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

How can I use "ability to ignite" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to ignite" to describe someone's talent for inspiring others, a substance's flammability, or a catalyst's capacity to start a reaction. For example, "His speech demonstrated an extraordinary "ability to ignite" passion in the audience."

What are some synonyms for "ability to ignite"?

Some synonyms for "ability to ignite" include "capacity to spark", "potential to trigger", or "power to inspire", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "ability of igniting" instead of "ability to ignite"?

While grammatically possible, "ability of igniting" is less common and sounds more awkward than "ability to ignite". The infinitive form "to ignite" is generally preferred in this construction.