ignite a revolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ignite a revolution" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase can be used when referring to an event or set of circumstances that sparks a larger cause or dramatic shift of some kind, such as in the phrase "That moment was the spark that ignited a revolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

One small idea can ignite a revolution just as a single matchstick can start a fire.

Harvard Business Review

In his speech, Leahy, who is fifty-two, laid out a series of measures that he hoped would ignite "a revolution in green consumption".

The New Yorker

"We are trying to ignite a revolution in the way cities view their risks and opportunities – but not only in the 100 member cities.

The Guardian

Set in a futuristic, totalitarian Britain, a vigilante – cloaked and wearing a 17th-century hat and Guy Fawkes mask – uses terrorist tactics to ignite a revolution.

The Guardian - Film

The letter, dated May 27 , 1641 concerns the publication of "Meditations on First Philosophy," a celebrated work whose use of reason and scientific methods helped to ignite a revolution in thought.

The New York Times - Books

Thomas Paine was a failed corset maker, a failed teacher, and a failed tax collector before he made his mark on history with a little book called "Common Sense" that helped ignite a revolution.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Internet has ignited a revolution in China's publishing industry by allowing a diversity of voices to bloom.

The New York Times

In 1973, inside the Houston Astrodome, Billie Jean King ignited a revolution when she won a match against Bobby Riggs that was billed as "The Battle of the Sexes".

The New York Times - Sports

The uprising resulted in the toppling of iron-fisted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, igniting a revolution that spread around the Arab world known as the Arab Spring.

HuffPost

The Stonewall riots ignited a revolution which projected New York's role in the forefront when the Stonewall patrons said, "enough is enough, we are not going".

Huffington Post

A small group of Jewish warriors, known as the Maccabees, rebelled against the rule of the Greek-Syrians and, against all odds, succeeded in igniting a revolution that drove them out from the land.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "ignite a revolution" when emphasizing the beginning or sudden start of a significant movement or change. For example, "The publication of her book ignited a revolution in women's literature".

Common error

Avoid using "ignite a revolution" for minor changes or insignificant events. The phrase carries a strong connotation of large-scale impact, so reserve it for situations that genuinely represent substantial shifts in power, thought, or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ignite a revolution" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, where "ignite" acts as a transitive verb taking "revolution" as its direct object. It describes the action of initiating or triggering a significant change, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ignite a revolution" effectively conveys the action of initiating a significant and transformative change. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news, media, and academic contexts, it emphasizes the start of a major shift, whether social, political, or technological. While "spark a revolution" and "trigger a revolution" serve as closely related alternatives, "ignite" underscores the sudden and energetic nature of the commencement. Therefore, while using this phrase, ensure the context reflects the gravity and scale of the change being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark a revolution

This alternative uses 'spark' which suggests a sudden and immediate start, similar to "ignite", but can also imply a smaller initial action.

trigger a revolution

This suggests a cause-and-effect relationship, where something sets off the revolution.

unleash a revolution

This implies releasing a force that was previously restrained.

provoke a revolution

This implies inciting or deliberately causing a revolution, often through contentious actions.

instigate a revolution

Similar to 'provoke', this suggests actively initiating a revolution, often with a negative connotation.

foment a revolution

This implies stirring up discontent and rebellion over time.

set off a revolution

This is similar to 'trigger' but perhaps a bit more informal.

kickstart a revolution

This suggests providing the initial energy or impetus for a revolution to begin.

launch a revolution

This implies a deliberate and organized beginning of a revolution, similar to launching a campaign or product.

generate a revolution

This suggests creating or producing a revolution from existing elements or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "ignite a revolution" in a sentence?

You can use "ignite a revolution" to describe an event or idea that sparks a major change. For example, "His speech was the spark that "ignited a revolution" among the students".

What is a synonym for "ignite a revolution"?

Synonyms for "ignite a revolution" include phrases like "spark a revolution", "trigger a revolution", or "unleash a revolution", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "ignite a revolution" in formal writing?

Yes, "ignite a revolution" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing significant social, political, or technological shifts. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong phrase.

What's the difference between "ignite a revolution" and "start a revolution"?

"Ignite a revolution" implies a sudden and energetic beginning, like setting something on fire, whereas "start a revolution" is a more general term for initiating a revolutionary process. "Ignite a revolution" often suggests a more spontaneous or reactive beginning.