ignite a war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ignite a war" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe starting a conflict (usually a war), but it can also be used figuratively. For example, "The heated discussion ignited a war of words between the two political parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

China has repeatedly warned that any move in that direction will ignite a war.

The New York Times

North Korea, through its official news agency, said the South's new exercises were "set to orchestrate the second Yeonpyeong Island incident at any cost and ignite a war".

The New York Times

North Korea accused the South of instigating trouble with its military drills, saying through its official news agency that the drills were "set to orchestrate the second Yeonpyeong Island incident at any cost and ignite a war".

The New Yorker

On Tuesday, North Korea called the agreement "a product of another conspiracy of the master and the stooge to push the situation on the Korean Peninsula to the extreme pitch of tension and ignite a war".

The New York Times

North Korea, through its official news agency, decried the new exercises, saying Seoul was "set to orchestrate the second Yeonpyeong Island incident at any cost and ignite a war".

The New York Times

On March 11, the North's official party paper, The Rodong Sinmun, said the council's expected move to adopt the resolution, coupled with the United Nations sanctions, would "raise tensions and ignite a war to invade the North".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Back in 1948, opposition to the legitimacy of a Jewish state ignited a war.

The New York Times

We'll have a balance of deterrence," instead of igniting a war.

The New Yorker

The signing ignited a war of words between Dunleavy and Falk, through radio waves and newspapers.

The New York Times - Sports

That prospect has ignited a war between Alaska's two historic industries: mining and fishing.

The New York Times

Moreover, if Israel bombs Iran and ignites a war, 59 percent say the U.S. should not come to Israel's aid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "ignite a war" when you want to emphasize the sudden and often unintended start of a conflict, especially when a small event leads to a larger war.

Common error

Avoid using "ignite a war" when a more direct term like "start a war" would suffice. The phrase is more effective when highlighting the spark or catalyst that leads to a larger conflict, so reserve it for scenarios where the initial action seems disproportionately small compared to the resulting war.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ignite a war" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used to describe the action that starts a conflict. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ignite a war" is a correct and commonly used idiomatic expression that describes the action of starting or triggering a war. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English and carries a neutral register. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, emphasizing the initial spark or catalyst that leads to a larger conflict. While synonyms exist, they carry subtly different connotations of causation and intent. Use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the initial action seems disproportionately small compared to the resulting war.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark a war

Emphasizes a sudden start to conflict, similar to "ignite a war" but with a stronger sense of immediacy.

trigger a war

Highlights the causal event that leads to the war, focusing on the immediate cause.

provoke a war

Suggests an intentional action that leads to war, emphasizing the element of instigation.

unleash a war

Implies the release of pent-up forces or tensions, resulting in war.

foment a war

Suggests actively stirring up trouble or discontent to cause a war.

instigate a war

Highlights the act of initiating or provoking a war, often with a negative connotation.

set off a war

Emphasizes the triggering event, similar to spark, but with a broader implication of consequences.

precipitate a war

Focuses on the hastening of a war, implying that it was already likely to occur.

start a war

A more direct and simple way of saying "ignite a war", lacking the figurative intensity.

touch off a war

Similar to "set off a war", indicating a sudden and often unexpected beginning.

FAQs

What does it mean to "ignite a war"?

To "ignite a war" means to start or trigger a conflict, often implying that a relatively small action has led to a much larger and more destructive war. It suggests a rapid escalation of tensions.

What are some synonyms for "ignite a war"?

Alternatives to "ignite a war" include "spark a war", "trigger a war", "provoke a war", or "unleash a war", each carrying slightly different connotations of causation and intent.

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

Yes, "ignite a war" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, historical analyses, or political commentary where you want to convey the sense of a sudden and escalating conflict. However, consider whether a simpler term like "start a war" might be more suitable depending on the context.

How does "ignite a war" differ from "escalate a conflict"?

"Ignite a war" refers to the initial starting point of a war, while "escalate a conflict" describes the process of a conflict becoming more intense or widespread. You "ignite" something at the beginning, and then you "escalate" it as it progresses.