has been sparked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been sparked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been initiated or triggered, often in a metaphorical sense, such as an idea or interest. Example: "The recent events in the community have sparked a renewed interest in local activism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A lot of interest has been sparked by it.

Independent

The growth has been sparked by marketing partnerships with Vodafone and the Sunday Times.

The Guardian - Tech

St. Francis has been sparked by the arrival of the Hungarian freshman Gergely Fabian.

The New York Times - Sports

A terror alert has been sparked after a replica suicide vest was found in Sheffield city centre.

Independent

A heated debate on new gun-control legislation has been sparked off by the Sandy Hook massacre.

The New Yorker

The sudden burst in confidence this week has been sparked by the various government initiatives to salvage the banking sector.

The Guardian - Business

Helena Smith reports that the initiative has been sparked by record numbers of tourist arrivals this year.

The Guardian - Business

Fierce debate has been sparked, therefore, over whether it was legitimate to single out this 14-year-old major debutant.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been sparked by the new types of data on offer to insurers due to the proliferation of smartphones, supermarket loyalty cards and price-comparison sites.

Independent

The upheaval in Tamil Nadu has been sparked by the recent release of disturbing photographs and a report on the continued abuse of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The New York Times

The Credit Suisse analysts pointed to the debate that has been sparked by work such as that by Thomas Piketty into long-term trends towards inequality.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been sparked", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is being initiated. For example, "The debate has been sparked by…" is more effective than "It has been sparked…" without context.

Common error

Avoid using "has been sparked" without clearly specifying the cause or trigger. The sentence should explicitly state what initiated the action or event. For example, instead of saying "Interest has been sparked", specify "Interest has been sparked by the new study".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been sparked" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that something has been initiated or triggered. It is commonly used to introduce a cause-and-effect relationship, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been sparked" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the initiation or triggering of an event, reaction, or discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "has been triggered" or "has led to" can be used, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using the phrase, ensure that the cause or trigger is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "has been sparked" is a valuable addition to your writing toolkit, suitable for various contexts while being mindful of clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been triggered

This alternative emphasizes the act of initiating or setting off something, focusing on the mechanism that starts a reaction.

has been ignited

This phrase evokes a sense of sudden and intense commencement, usually applied to situations involving strong emotions or conflicts.

has been initiated

Highlights the commencement of a process or action in a more formal and structured way.

has given rise to

Indicates the creation or emergence of something as a direct result of the initial event.

has led to

This alternative stresses the consequential relationship between the initial action and its effects.

has prompted

Highlights the act of urging or encouraging something to happen, often implying a degree of instigation.

has set off

This phrase emphasizes the act of triggering a chain of events or reactions.

has caused

Indicates a direct causation between an event and its resulting consequence.

has generated

Highlights that something has been produced or created as a result of something else.

has incited

Emphasizes the act of provoking or stirring up strong feelings or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "has been sparked" in a sentence?

Use "has been sparked" to indicate that something has initiated or triggered a reaction or event. For example, "The controversy "has been sparked" by the new policy".

What can I say instead of "has been sparked"?

You can use alternatives like "has been triggered", "has been ignited", or "has led to" depending on the context.

Is "has been sparked" formal or informal?

"Has been sparked" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is frequently found in news and media.

What's the difference between "has been sparked" and "has been caused"?

"Has been sparked" implies initiation or triggering of an event or reaction, while "has been caused" indicates a direct causation. Sparked suggests a beginning, while caused implies a result.