cause a fire

USAGE SUMMARY

It is not technically correct to use "cause a fire" as a standalone phrase in a sentence.
However, it can be used in a sentence when it is preceded by a subject and verb. For example: - "The unattended candles caused a fire in the living room." - "The faulty wiring caused a fire in the building."

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They act as antennae and can cause a fire.

Columbia University

This may cause a fire hazard at chimney penetrations.

Journal of Building Engineering

A spark caused by the scrape of metal on metal could cause a fire, Capt.

The New York Times - Science

"In an extreme case," BMW said, overheating of the circuit board could cause a fire.

The New York Times

And please: pick up your pamphlets before they flutter onto the track and cause a fire.

The New York Times

"It did not cause a fire in 1979, but it could have.

The New York Times

("If you do, your lamp will likely be ruined, or in the worst case cause a fire because of overheating").

The New York Times

About 1,800 school buses are being recalled because a Cummins diesel engine could cause a fire.

The New York Times

A stampede out of ETFs might cause a fire sale of assets that would ripple through the financial system.

The Economist

And arcing can cause a fire or detonate fuel vapors, which may be what happened to the TWA plane.

The New York Times - Tech

* The fireplace should never be overloaded with too many logs, which can cause a fire to burn out of control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential hazards, clearly state what actions or conditions could "cause a fire". For instance, "Overloading electrical outlets can cause a fire."

Common error

Ensure the subject performing the action is clear. Avoid sentences like "Carelessness can "cause a fire"" without specifying what careless action is being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a fire" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" acts as a transitive verb indicating the action of initiating or triggering a fire. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage requires a clear subject performing the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

29%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause a fire" is a common and generally acceptable verb phrase used to describe the act of initiating a fire. While grammatically sound when used with a clear subject, Ludwig AI points out that it needs to be used in a complete sentence to be correct. The phrase is most frequently found in Wiki, News & Media, and Science contexts, serving to warn, explain, or describe fire-related events. To enhance clarity, it's important to specify the actions or conditions that could lead to a fire. Alternatives like "lead to a fire" or "ignite a blaze" can offer variety while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lead to a fire

Indicates that something results in a fire as a consequence.

ignite a blaze

Focuses on the action of setting something on fire, emphasizing the beginning of the fire.

create an ignition

Focuses on the starting of the burning process.

spark a flame

Highlights the initial small flame that leads to a larger fire.

set ablaze

Highlights the act of making something burn intensely.

start a conflagration

Emphasizes a large and destructive fire.

be responsible for a fire

Implicates an entity as the origin of a fire

trigger an inferno

Implies a very intense and uncontrolled fire.

provoke a wildfire

Specific to causing a large, uncontrolled fire in a natural environment.

generate a combustion

More technical term for initiating a burning process.

FAQs

How can I avoid actions that "cause a fire"?

Ensure proper maintenance of electrical systems, avoid unattended flames, and store flammable materials safely. Regular checks and precautions can significantly reduce the risk.

What are some common scenarios that "cause a fire" in a home?

Common causes include faulty wiring, unattended cooking, overloaded outlets, and improperly stored flammable liquids. Regular home safety checks are crucial.

What should I do if something starts to "cause a fire"?

Immediately extinguish the fire if it's small and manageable. If not, evacuate the area and call emergency services. Having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it is essential.

Are there phrases similar to "cause a fire" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "lead to a fire", "ignite a blaze", or "spark a flame" depending on the specific context.