catches on fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catches on fire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an object or situation that is ignited and begins to burn. For example, "The car's engine caught on fire and engulfed the entire vehicle in flames."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the closing seconds, there are planes – a wing catches on fire, at least one plane explodes, another breaks into parts.

The Guardian - Film

If you are wearing a scarf or dupatta, be careful to make sure it doesn't catches on fire and no one steps on it.

WikiHow

Bill Walton's hair catches on fire.

The New York Times

Then part of the city catches on fire.

The New Yorker

"I can fix the food -- unless something catches on fire.

The New York Times

You can't judge the policy by asking whether your house catches on fire every single year.

The New York Times

If smoke filters out of your oven, enjoy its spiritual qualities unless something catches on fire.

The New York Times - Magazine

The dress also grows by about ten feet in height and catches on fire.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Don't let it catch on fire though.

WikiHow

If you've been on the Internet in the last week, you most likely saw a video entitled "Worst Twerk Fail EVER - Girl Catches On Fire!" In the video, a girl performs a suggestive dance routine that goes completely awry, ending with the young lady apparently catching on fire.

Huffington Post

No one wants their bed, couch, chair, computer, or TV to catch on fire.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about fire incidents, use "catches on fire" to clearly indicate the onset of burning. Be specific about what exactly caught fire to provide clarity to the reader.

Common error

While "catches on fire" is acceptable in some figurative contexts, avoid overuse. Overusing this expression can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider alternative expressions like "ignites", "sparks", or "triggers" for more nuanced meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catches on fire" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of something igniting and beginning to burn. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable way to describe this event, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

23%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "catches on fire" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of something igniting and beginning to burn. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is versatile and appears frequently across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki articles. The linguistic analysis reveals a neutral register, making it suitable for general use. When using "catches on fire", it's important to be specific about what is igniting and consider potential figurative uses. Remember, though, overuse in figurative contexts can reduce its impact, and alternatives like "ignites" or "bursts into flames" may sometimes be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts burning

A simple and direct way to describe the commencement of fire.

ignites

This alternative directly describes the act of something starting to burn.

catches alight

A more formal or archaic way of saying something starts to burn.

is ignited

A passive voice alternative, indicating something is made to burn.

bursts into flames

This phrase suggests a sudden and intense onset of fire.

is engulfed in flames

This describes a situation where something is completely surrounded by fire.

erupts in fire

This indicates a violent and sudden outbreak of flames.

is set ablaze

This alternative implies an intentional act of igniting something.

goes up in smoke

This suggests complete destruction by fire, often with a figurative meaning.

becomes inflamed

This can be used figuratively to suggest a situation that escalates rapidly.

FAQs

How can I use "catches on fire" in a sentence?

You can use "catches on fire" to describe something that ignites. For example: "The dry grass quickly "catches on fire" in the summer heat."

What are some alternatives to "catches on fire"?

Alternatives include "ignites", "bursts into flames", or "is set ablaze", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "caught on fire" instead of "catches on fire"?

Yes, "caught on fire" is the past tense of "catches on fire" and is used to describe something that already ignited. "Catches on fire" is present tense and describes something that is currently igniting or does so habitually.

What does it mean when someone says something 'catches on fire' figuratively?

Figuratively, "catches on fire" can mean something becomes popular or successful very quickly. For instance, "The new dance craze "catches on fire" among teenagers."