fired me up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fired me up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase that is used to express enthusiasm and/or excitement about something. For example, "When the coach gave his speech, it really fired me up and I couldn't wait to get out on the field!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Just talking to him fired me up".

The New York Times - Sports

"Those books really fired me up," he said.

The New York Times - Books

"All those boos really fired me up," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"It fired me up more than anything else," Phelps said.

The New York Times

"I was fired up, but it fired me up a bit more, which is good," Poulter said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He fired me up after the first at-bat," Nixon said that day.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"The neighborhood didn't fire me up".

The New York Times

"That would fire me up," Randolph said.

The New York Times

It fires me up to follow".

The Guardian - Sport

He added, "He doesn't fire me up".

The New York Times

"That stuff doesn't necessarily fire me up," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fired me up" to convey a sense of enthusiasm or motivation that arises from a specific event, person, or idea. For example, "The coach's speech fired me up before the game."

Common error

While "fired me up" is acceptable in many situations, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "motivated me" or "inspired me" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fired me up" functions as a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It conveys a state change, specifically the instigation of enthusiasm or motivation in the speaker. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Books

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fired me up" is a common and acceptable way to express that something has inspired or motivated you. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and the examples show that is most often used in News & Media contexts. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it leans towards an informal register, making it less suitable for certain formal settings. Alternatives such as "motivated me" or ""inspired me"" can be used in more formal contexts. The phrase effectively communicates a surge of enthusiasm and is frequently found in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated me

Focuses on the instigation of action; the core meaning is that the subject was pushed towards a goal.

inspired me

Highlights the creative influence and elevation of thought, differing from pure activation.

energized me

Emphasizes the feeling of being filled with energy and enthusiasm.

excited me

Conveys a feeling of enthusiasm and anticipation.

galvanized me

Highlights a sudden and stimulating effect, distinct from sustained motivation.

stimulated me

Focuses on mental or physical arousal, less about emotional drive.

charged me up

Suggests an increase in energy, similar to energize but more colloquial.

lit a fire under me

Idiomatic expression indicating strong motivation, less direct than "motivated me".

got me pumped up

Informal phrase indicating excitement and readiness for action.

sparked my interest

Focuses on initiating curiosity and attention, not necessarily motivating action.

FAQs

What does "fired me up" mean?

The phrase "fired me up" means to inspire or motivate someone, often suddenly and with great enthusiasm. It implies a surge of energy and excitement.

How can I use "fired me up" in a sentence?

You can use "fired me up" to describe how something made you feel enthusiastic or motivated. For example, "The new project proposal really "inspired me" and "fired me up" to get started."

What are some alternatives to "fired me up"?

You can use alternatives like "motivated me", ""inspired me"", or "energized me" depending on the context.

Is "fired me up" appropriate for formal writing?

While "fired me up" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "motivated me" or "stimulated me".