firing up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firing up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of starting or energizing something, often in a motivational or enthusiastic context. Example: "Before we begin the meeting, let's take a moment to fire up our team with some positive energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Firing up an A.P.U.

The New York Times

Talk about firing up one's imagination.

The New York Times - Books

"I like firing up the guys".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Kucinich is firing up crowds wherever he goes.

The New York Times

Such as giant shotguns, firing up at the sky constantly".

The New Yorker

The charmingly titled crappingyourselfometer appeared to be firing up again.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Just unbelievably fired up".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was fired up".

The New York Times - Sports

That fired up the Titans.

The New York Times - Sports

NASDAQ has fired up too.

The Economist

So I'm fired up".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Firing up" is suitable for both literal and figurative scenarios. You can "fire up" a grill or "fire up" a crowd.

Common error

While versatile, "firing up" can sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "initiating" or "activating" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "firing up" is that of a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig AI shows the phrase in action, describing the act of initiating or energizing something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Tech

20%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firing up" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the initiation or energization of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most frequently used in news and media, technology, and sports contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in formal academic or business writing, opting for alternatives like "initiating" or "activating". The phrase effectively conveys a sense of starting something with increased energy or enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting up

Emphasizes the beginning of an operation or process.

powering up

Focuses on the act of supplying power to activate a device or system.

activating

Highlights the action of making something active or operational.

energizing

Suggests infusing with energy or enthusiasm.

revving up

Implies increasing the speed or intensity of something.

initiating

Stresses the formal commencement of a process or action.

launching

Describes the act of setting something into motion, often used for projects or campaigns.

getting started

Focuses on the initial phase of undertaking an activity.

sparking

Suggests initiating a sudden burst of activity or interest.

galvanizing

Implies stimulating action or excitement, often in a group.

FAQs

How can I use "firing up" in a sentence?

You can use "firing up" to describe starting a device (e.g. "He's firing up the grill") or energizing a group (e.g. "The coach is "firing up" the team before the game").

What's a less informal way to say "firing up"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "initiating", "activating", or "energizing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "fire up" instead of "firing up"?

Yes, "fire up" is the base verb form. "Firing up" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses (e.g. "He is firing up the engine") or as a gerund.

What's the difference between "firing up" and "starting up"?

While similar, "firing up" often implies a burst of energy or enthusiasm, whereas "starting up" is a more neutral term for beginning a process or operation.