high heat

USAGE SUMMARY

"high heat" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a very hot temperature, or to describe a situation that has become very intense. Example sentence: "The controversy around the election results has been escalating, and the high heat of public opinion is making it difficult to reach a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

High heat.

The New York Times

Place over high heat.

The New York Times - Food

Reduce over high heat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Place over a high heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Place skillet over high heat.

The New York Times

Place the pan over a high heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Place on medium-high heat.

The New York Times - Food

Place over medium-high heat.

WikiHow

Melt on medium-high heat.

WikiHow

Iron on medium-high heat.

WikiHow

Cook on medium-high heat.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "high heat" in cooking instructions, specify the type of cookware (e.g., skillet, pan, wok) to ensure proper heat distribution and avoid damaging the equipment.

Common error

Avoid using "high heat" for delicate ingredients or prolonged cooking times, as this can lead to burning, uneven cooking, or loss of flavor. Opt for medium or low heat settings in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high heat" functions primarily as a descriptive term, specifying the intensity of thermal energy. It is commonly used in instructional contexts, particularly in cooking, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples, to indicate a specific level of energy application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

48%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "high heat" is a common and grammatically correct term predominantly used in cooking and instructional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its function to instruct or inform about a specific temperature level. While neutral in register, it appears more frequently in Wiki and News & Media sources. Related alternatives include "intense heat" and "high temperature". When using "high heat", be mindful of potential overheating risks, and consider the specific needs of the ingredients and cooking method.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense heat

Emphasizes the intensity of the heat level.

high temperature

More directly refers to the numerical value of the heat.

extreme temperature

Implies a level of heat beyond just "high".

scorching heat

Highlights the burning or damaging aspect of the heat.

fierce heat

Suggests a more aggressive or uncontrolled level of heat.

blazing heat

Conveys a vivid image of intense and radiant heat.

elevated temperature

A more formal way of saying "high temperature".

intense pressure

Shifts the focus from heat to pressure, suggesting a different type of intensity.

vigorous heat

Emphasizes the energetic and active nature of the heat.

rapid heating

Focuses on the speed at which the heat is applied.

FAQs

How is "high heat" typically used in cooking?

In cooking, "high heat" is often specified to achieve rapid searing, boiling, or frying. It's crucial for tasks like getting a good sear on meat or quickly reducing a sauce. Always monitor closely to prevent burning.

What are some synonyms for "high heat" when describing cooking methods?

Alternatives include "intense heat", "high temperature" or "vigorous heat" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "high heat" in a recipe?

Yes, using "high heat" can be a mistake if the food requires slow cooking or is prone to burning easily. It's important to consider the specific ingredients and cooking method.

What does it mean when a recipe says to reduce to medium heat after bringing something to a boil on "high heat"?

This instruction means initially using "high heat" to quickly reach the boiling point, then lowering the heat to maintain a gentle simmer without boiling over. This prevents rapid evaporation and ensures even cooking.