get fire

USAGE SUMMARY

'get fire' is not a grammatically correct sentence in written English.
It is not a phrase that is typically used in written English. To use it correctly in a sentence, try replacing "get fire" with "catch fire". For example, "The curtains suddenly caught fire and we had to quickly evacuate the house."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He needs to get fire in his belly".

The New Yorker

"Back then, I couldn't even get fire insurance, but it's changing now," Mr. Sonnenschein said.

The New York Times

"In Washington State, where we have a presence, we get police protection, we get fire protection.

The New York Times

"We didn't get fire from those buildings, and the enemy on the ground is not the enemy we were briefed on.

The New Yorker

"It is absolutely critical that we get fire back into those woods," said Dale Bosworth, the chief of the Forest Service, in an interview.

The New York Times

Some have suggested that the update is intended to make Snapchat more like a game, encouraging users to snap more so that they can get fire emojis and other rewards for using it.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Walker, who suffered from cramps during the game that would not quit, said Calhoun was frustrated after the game, but he did not get fire-and-brimstone on them.

The New York Times - Sports

I didn't get fired.

The New York Times - Arts

Lose and you get fired.

The New York Times

"I get fired up".

The New York Times - Sports

"I could get fired".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts where you mean to face criticism or scrutiny, consider using "come under fire".

Common error

Avoid using "get fire" to describe the act of igniting something. "Catch fire" is more appropriate in most contexts. For example, instead of saying "I need to get fire for the campfire", say "I need to start a fire for the campfire" or "I need to catch fire for the campfire".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get fire" primarily functions as a verb phrase, though it is not grammatically correct in most contexts. Ludwig AI notes that it's generally better to use alternatives like "catch fire". The examples show varied uses, from obtaining fire to military contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "get fire" appears across various sources, it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English. As Ludwig AI suggests, more appropriate alternatives like "catch fire", "start a fire", or "come under fire" should be favored for clarity and correctness. Usage varies from informal to neutral contexts, with news and media being the most frequent. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the context and choose a more precise and accepted phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive fire

Replaces "get" with "receive", focusing on the act of being subjected to fire, typically in a military context.

take fire

Similar to "receive fire", but emphasizes the immediate experience of being under attack.

obtain fire

Replaces "get" with "obtain", focusing on acquiring fire, as in starting a fire.

catch fire

Indicates the start of burning.

fetch fire

Implies the action of going to retrieve or bring back fire.

draw fire

Means to attract gunfire from an enemy.

be fired upon

Passive voice emphasizing the act of being shot at.

come under fire

Indicates being subjected to attack or criticism.

sustain fire

Highlights the endurance or ability to withstand attacks involving fire.

face fire

Means to confront or deal with a situation involving fire.

FAQs

What does it mean to "come under fire"?

The phrase "come under fire" means to be subjected to strong criticism or attack. It's often used in political or business contexts to describe someone facing scrutiny. You might also "receive criticism" or "face scrutiny".

What can I say instead of "get fire" when talking about something igniting?

A more common and grammatically correct alternative is to use the phrase "catch fire". For instance, "The wood began to "catch fire" quickly" is better than saying "The wood began to get fire quickly."

Is "get fire" ever grammatically correct?

While the phrase "get fire" appears in some contexts, it's not generally considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It's often used informally or in specific technical contexts, but it's best to use alternatives like ""catch fire"" or "start a fire" for clarity.

What is the difference between "catch fire" and "start a fire"?

"Catch fire" typically describes something spontaneously igniting, while "start a fire" implies deliberate action. For example, "The dry leaves caught fire from the spark" versus "He started a fire in the fireplace".