flare up

USAGE SUMMARY

"flare up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something sudden and usually intense happens, such as a conflict or an argument. For example: "The disagreement between the two countries quickly flared up into a full-blown international crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Greatness can flare up anywhere.

The New Yorker

"Hopefully nothing will flare up.

The Guardian - Sport

Fights flare up over nothing.

The Guardian

"You flare up," Carla said.

The New Yorker

Why did it flare up in summer?

Independent

Protests may well flare up again.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Even so another flare-up remains conceivable.

The Economist

The result: a sudden, painful flare-up.

Harvard University

First came a flare-up of shingles.

The New York Times - Magazine

She hasn't had a flare-up since.

The New York Times - Health

Still, one particular flare-up stayed with her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flare up" to describe situations where something suddenly intensifies, such as conflicts, symptoms of a disease, or even the intensity of a fire. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the sudden and often unexpected nature of the escalation.

Common error

Avoid using "flare up" to describe situations that gradually worsen over time. This phrase is best suited for sudden and unexpected intensifications, not slow progressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "flare up" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating a state change or event where something suddenly intensifies or becomes active again. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, where subjects (e.g., tensions, conflicts, symptoms) experience a sudden increase in intensity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flare up" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the sudden intensification of something, particularly negative situations like conflicts or medical symptoms. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, remember that "flare up" describes sudden intensifications, not gradual increases. For variety, consider alternatives like "erupt" or "intensify suddenly". Understanding the nuances of "flare up" will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flare into violence

Specifically describes a situation where conflict escalates to physical confrontation.

intensify suddenly

Highlights the rapid increase in strength or severity, suitable for describing feelings or situations.

escalate rapidly

Highlights the quick progression to a more serious or intense level.

blow up

Implies a sudden and dramatic outburst or explosion, often used for arguments.

erupt

Focuses on the sudden and forceful nature of the outburst, often implying a violent or disruptive quality.

surge

Focuses on a sudden, powerful increase or rush.

break out

Emphasizes the sudden and uncontrolled start of something, like a fight or a disease.

reignite

Suggests a revival of something that had diminished, often used for passions or conflicts.

become inflamed

Specifically refers to a condition becoming aggravated, often medically related.

resurface

Implies that something previously dormant or hidden is now becoming prominent again.

FAQs

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

You can use "flare up" to describe a sudden increase in intensity. For instance, "Tensions between the two countries may "flare up" again if negotiations fail" or "Her eczema tends to "flare up" during the winter months".

What's a good alternative to "flare up"?

Alternatives include "erupt", "intensify suddenly", or "break out", depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it correct to say "flares up" or should I always use "flare up"?

The correct form depends on the subject of your sentence. Use "flares up" for singular subjects (e.g., "The conflict flares up") and "flare up" for plural subjects (e.g., "Conflicts flare up") or with 'I', 'you', 'we', and 'they'.

What is the difference between "flare up" and "flare-up"?

"Flare up" (two words) is typically used as a verb, meaning to suddenly become intense or active again. "Flare-up" (hyphenated) is typically used as a noun, referring to an instance of something flaring up, such as "a flare-up of violence".