fire was set

USAGE SUMMARY

"fire was set" is a grammatically correct sentence that can be used in written English.
For example: "The investigators concluded that the house fire had been deliberately set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A test fire was set first.

The New York Times

A fire was set to one room.

The New York Times

On that day, one fire was set.

The New York Times

The authorities did not say how the fire was set.

The New York Times

Lanier suspects, without any specific evidence, that the fire was set by vandals.

The New Yorker

Officials said a fire was set Nov. 18 at the temple, Gobind Sadan USA.

The New York Times

In Niwot, Colo., a fire was set to a $2.4 million home under construction.

The New York Times

At one point a fire was set with an old tire, some scrap wood and paper.

The New York Times

While comatose, he was doused with petrol and a fire was set in the car.

The Guardian - Film

Fire officials said a fire was set in the parlor last June.

The New York Times

The fire was set in the first-floor stairwell and an accelerant was used, the police said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use active voice constructions when possible to make sentences more direct and engaging. For instance, consider rewording "The fire was set by vandals" to "Vandals set the fire."

Common error

Be cautious about omitting the agent when using "fire was set". Without specifying who or what set the fire, the sentence can lack clarity and leave readers wondering about the cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fire was set" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a fire was ignited by an unspecified agent. It is used to describe the event of a fire starting, often when the cause is unknown or the focus is on the fire itself rather than the person who started it. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts, from arson investigations to controlled burns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fire was set" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the deliberate ignition of a fire. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its frequent use in news and media contexts, as well as its occasional appearance in scientific and formal writing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the implications of intentionality and ensure clarity regarding the cause of the fire. Alternatives like "fire ignited" or "fire started" may be more appropriate when the cause is unknown or accidental.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fire ignited

Replaces the passive construction with a more active verb while retaining the meaning of a fire starting.

fire started

A more general term indicating the commencement of a fire, without specifying the cause.

blaze erupted

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful beginning of a fire.

fire broke out

Suggests an unexpected and often uncontrolled start of a fire.

fire commenced

A more formal way of saying a fire started.

combustion initiated

A technical term focusing on the chemical process of burning.

arson committed

Highlights the deliberate and criminal aspect of setting a fire.

incendiary device deployed

Specifies the use of a device to start the fire, often with malicious intent.

flames kindled

A more poetic and less direct way of saying a fire was started.

embers sparked

Suggests the initial, small beginnings of a fire.

FAQs

How is "fire was set" used in a sentence?

The phrase "fire was set" is typically used in a passive construction to indicate that a fire was intentionally started, often implying arson or a deliberate act. For example, "The police determined that the "fire was set" in multiple locations".

What's the difference between "fire was set" and "fire started"?

"Fire was set" implies a deliberate action to ignite the fire, suggesting arson or intentional burning. "Fire started" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply intent; it could be accidental or due to natural causes.

What can I say instead of "fire was set" to emphasize intentionality?

You can use alternatives like "fire ignited by an arsonist", "fire broke out due to arson", or "combustion initiated intentionally" to emphasize the intentional aspect.

Is it always correct to use "fire was set" when describing a fire?

No, "fire was set" should only be used when there is evidence or suspicion of deliberate ignition. If the cause of the fire is unknown or accidental, phrases like "fire started" or "flames kindled" are more appropriate.