fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fire' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'fire' to describe an actual fire, to refer to a specific type of powered device or tool, to refer to an intense emotion, or to refer to discharge of an employee. For example, "The fire filled the room with thick smoke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear plants have a combined capacity of about 2.4 gigawatts (GW) and are out of action at a time when part of the 2GW Ferrybridge coal-fired station is also temporarily closed down due to a fire.

The Guardian

Then he opened fire.

The New York Times

These reached boiling point in the western city of Zhanaozen in late 2011 when authorities opened fire on striking workers, leaving at least 14 dead.

The Guardian

Fire away.

The New York Times - Sports

What a nightmare!" There had been delays involving Clapham Junction earlier in the rush hour due to a lineside fire which caused hold-ups to services on London Overground.

The Guardian

The attackers used grenade launchers and automatic weapons to fire at the Ukrainian column, hitting an armoured personnel carrier.

The Guardian

Police believe he opened fire at three locations in the western Idaho city of Moscow, killing his landlord, his adoptive mother and a manager at a restaurant his parents frequented.

The Guardian

A fire at Smith's destroyed most of the archive in 1931; bombing in the Blitz pretty much finished it off.

The Guardian

The mission – which has already seen OPCW inspectors come under sniper fire – was agreed as a means to avoid US-led militactiontion against Syria following a gas attack blamed on forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad in August which killed more than 1,400 people.

The Guardian

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Real Madrid fans to get behind "key player" Gareth Bale after the Wales international came under fire for going for goal instead of passing during Saturday's Primera División win over Espanyol.

The Guardian - Sport

He was probably relaxing in some luxurious dwelling beside a cosy open fire, wondering how he could further enrage Isis, while we all stood in the widdling rain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fire" to mean passion or excitement, ensure it aligns with the overall sentiment and style of your writing, as it can convey intense emotion.

Common error

Avoid confusing "fire" with words like "far" or "fair" in informal speech or writing. Proofread carefully to ensure the correct word is used, especially in critical communications.

Linguistic Context

The word "fire" serves as both a noun, denoting the phenomenon of combustion or a specific instance of it, and a verb, indicating the act of igniting, shooting, or terminating employment. Ludwig AI validates its diverse grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "fire" demonstrates versatility as both a noun and a verb, fitting numerous contexts from literal conflagrations to metaphorical passions, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly featured in news and media, "fire" appears in various registers, maintaining a neutral tone overall. As a user, remember the diverse applications of "fire"—from describing a burning event to signifying termination or a powerful emotion—and adapt your word choice to suit your writing's intent and audience. When it comes to writing, remember to consider the context of usage, whether it's a news report or a scientific research, and use the synonym that best fit the context. By understanding these nuanced aspects, you enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open fire

Specifically indicates commencing shooting with a weapon.

shoot

In the context of weapons, signifies launching a projectile, a core meaning of "fire".

blaze

Refers specifically to a large, destructive fire, implying greater intensity and scale.

flames

Focuses on the visible, burning aspect of fire, emphasizing heat and light.

discharge

When referring to employment, implies termination from a job, similar to one sense of "fire".

passion

Represents the intense emotion or enthusiasm associated with "fire".

terminate employment

A more formal way to express dismissing someone from a job.

ardor

Emphasizes fervor and intensity, similar to the emotional connotations of "fire".

ignition

Refers to the act of starting a fire or combustion process.

conflagration

Describes a large and destructive fire, often involving widespread damage.

FAQs

How can I use "fire" in a sentence?

You can use "fire" as a noun to describe a blaze, as in "The "fire" destroyed the building". As a verb, it can mean to shoot a weapon, such as "They "fire"d at the target", or to terminate someone's employment, like "He was "fire"d from his job".

What are some synonyms for "fire"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "fire" include "blaze" (for a large fire), "flames" (referring to the burning aspect), "discharge" or "terminate employment" (for job termination), and "shoot" or "open fire" (when discussing weapons).

What is the difference between "fire" and "flame"?

"Fire" is a general term for combustion or burning, while "flame" specifically refers to the visible, glowing part of a "fire". You can have a "fire" without visible "flames" (like smoldering), but "flames" are always part of a "fire".

Is it correct to say someone was "fired up"?

Yes, "fired up" is an idiomatic expression meaning someone is enthusiastic, excited, or motivated. For example, "The team was "fired up" for the championship game".