ignites

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ignites" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of starting or triggering something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as emotions, ideas, or actions. Example: "The speaker's passionate words ignites a sense of hope in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, it ignites the passions of each party's base.

The Economist

Wherever there is no explanation for genius, or perceived beauty, or sudden comfort, or for the way a line or phrase ignites the heart, angels provide one.Wrestling and resistingThey are also held accountable for less comfortable feelings: inferiority, shame, terror, impossibility of achievement.

The Economist

If static electricity collects in clothing, it can generate a spark that ignites fumes.

The Economist

It is the point at which the temperature in a room has risen so far that everything inflammable ignites spontaneously.

The Economist

We want to see and be seen; to forget ourselves in a cityscape that ignites our imaginations.

The Economist

Some naval missiles are ejected with a burst of pressurised gas or a small booster charge before the rocket in the missile ignites.

The Economist

A sparking plug ignites the gas, providing the pulse which produces power to turn the cylinder.

The Economist

("Why not at least experiment? Try lowering interest rates and see what happens. If inflation ignites, then go back to where you were").

The Economist

Even the lovers' kisses are copied from Hollywood, and the affair ignites over a fake designer handbag.Although the Istanbul bourgeoisie holds engagement parties in the Hilton hotel, and old money sniffs at "parvenus from the provinces" with their headscarved wives, the sexual revolution has not yet arrived.

The Economist

They should also be more involved in supervising bank safety and soundness although, to safeguard central-bank integrity, the role of chief firefighter is best played by others once trouble ignites.

The Economist

These cells are covered with a thin membrane that can be broken by igniting the fuel.To fire the cell, an electrical current is passed through the microresistor, which ignites the fuel, ejecting the propellant and delivering an impulse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ignites" to convey a sense of sudden, intense beginning, whether literal (fire) or metaphorical (passion, conflict).

Common error

While "ignites" is vivid, avoid overuse in formal writing; opt for more neutral alternatives like "starts" or "initiates" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Ignites functions primarily as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of 'ignite'. It denotes the action of starting to burn or, metaphorically, initiating or arousing something. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in both literal and figurative contexts, from physical combustion to emotional or intellectual stimulation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "ignites" is a versatile term used to describe the act of starting a fire or, metaphorically, sparking a reaction or emotion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in news and media and encyclopedia contexts. While versatile, be mindful of the potential for overuse in formal writing, where alternatives like "starts" or "initiates" may be more appropriate. "Ignites" is a powerful word that brings a sense of immediacy and intensity to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparks

Emphasizes the sudden and often brief nature of initiation, like a spark that starts a fire.

triggers

Suggests a mechanism or event that sets off a chain reaction or process.

sets off

Indicates a beginning or a commencement of an event or process.

activates

Highlights the process of making something functional or operational.

kindles

Evokes a sense of gently starting or inspiring something, often an emotion or idea.

stimulates

Focuses on encouraging growth, development, or activity.

fuels

Highlights the action of providing support or encouragement for continued activity or intensity.

incites

Implies provocation or stirring up strong feelings or actions.

provokes

Suggests the elicitation of a response, often a strong or negative reaction.

generates

Emphasizes the creation or production of something new as a result of an action.

FAQs

How is "ignites" typically used in a sentence?

"Ignites" is generally used to describe the action of something starting to burn or, metaphorically, to stimulate or provoke a strong reaction. For example, "The spark ignites the flame" or "The debate ignites strong emotions."

What are some synonyms for "ignites"?

Alternatives to "ignites" include "sparks", "triggers", "activates", "stimulates", or "incites", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "ignites" in formal writing?

While "ignites" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly dramatic in formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "initiates" or "starts" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "ignites" and "fuels"?

"Ignites" refers to the initial action of starting something, while "fuels" refers to providing continued support or intensification. A spark "ignites" a fire, and then wood "fuels" the flames.