have been ignited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been ignited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been set on fire or started, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The discussions have been ignited by the recent events in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The prehistoric forests of the southwest wilderness, usually too damp to sustain extensive fires, have been ignited by lightning strikes.

The New York Times

And how many important artistic careers have been ignited at the very beginning by just this conviction?

The Guardian - Film

More than a half dozen blasts have been ignited on this stretch of road in the last few days.

The New York Times

The detonator would have been ignited using metal wire, a bulb or the flash from a disposable camera, he said.

The New York Times

Nor is it clear that more nuanced reporting would restrain the powerful passions that have been ignited by America's long-running economic trauma.

The New York Times - Books

Many of the dead had rushed to the pipeline to gather up the leaking fuel, which appeared to have been ignited accidentally by a lighted cigarette.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He and other alumni collaborators have been igniting audiences with intimate, modern-day interpretations of opera classics in New York City as part of Heartbeat Opera.

Yale University

Starting with an apartment-turned-gallery space, Sierra Stinson and Serrah Russell have been igniting Seattle's art community.

Vice

Signed to the HW&W family (also home to Kaytranada and Ta-ku) her heavy hitting hip hop, R&B and electronic originals have been igniting parties and climbing charts around the world.

Vice

His activism had been ignited.

The New York Times

After fuel sprayed into the engine has been ignited, combustion is self-sustaining.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject is something that can logically be 'ignited,' whether literally (like a fire) or metaphorically (like a passion or conflict).

Common error

Avoid using "have been ignited" when an active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The fire have been ignited by arsonists," consider "Arsonists ignited the fire."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been ignited" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something has been set in motion or activated by an external force. Ludwig's examples reveal its application across diverse contexts, from physical fires to metaphorical instigations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been ignited" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, functioning primarily to denote the initiation of an action, process, or state. It is commonly employed in news and media contexts and holds a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "have been sparked" or "have been triggered" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance one wishes to convey. Remember to consider the active voice for directness and avoid misusing the passive form for stronger impact. Ludwig's examples showcase its diverse applications and authoritative sources. The phrase's uncommon frequency suggests it is best reserved for situations where its specific connotations are most fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been sparked

Replaces "ignited" with "sparked", implying a sudden and often less intense beginning.

have been triggered

Substitutes "ignited" with "triggered", suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship and a more mechanical initiation.

have been activated

Replaces "ignited" with "activated", implying a process or system that has been turned on or made functional.

have been initiated

Substitutes "ignited" with "initiated", indicating a formal commencement or start.

have been set off

Replaces "ignited" with "set off", suggesting a chain reaction or explosion.

have been fueled

Substitutes "ignited" with "fueled", indicating that something has been encouraged or intensified.

have been prompted

Replaces "ignited" with "prompted", implying a gentle push or suggestion that led to the start.

have been stirred up

Substitutes "ignited" with "stirred up", suggesting the act of disturbing or provoking something into action or emotion.

have been awakened

Replaces "ignited" with "awakened", suggesting that something dormant has been brought to life or awareness.

have been kindled

Substitutes "ignited" with "kindled", implying a gentle or gradual start, often associated with emotions or passions.

FAQs

How can I use "have been ignited" in a sentence?

You can use "have been ignited" to describe something that has started burning or, metaphorically, to indicate that something has been triggered or provoked. For example: "The protests "have been ignited" by the recent policy changes."

What's a less formal alternative to "have been ignited"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "have been sparked" or "have started", depending on the context. The choice depends on the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "was ignited" instead of "have been ignited"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they convey different tenses. "Was ignited" refers to a single event in the past, while ""have been ignited"" suggests a state that began in the past and may continue to the present.

What's the difference between "have been ignited" and "have been triggered"?

While both indicate initiation, ""have been ignited"" often implies a burning or passionate start, whereas "have been triggered" suggests a more mechanical or cause-and-effect activation.