igniting rumors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "igniting rumors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of starting or spreading rumors, often in a context where such actions lead to speculation or gossip. Example: "The sudden departure of the CEO has been igniting rumors about the company's future direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

She did not want to ignite rumors or invite pressure to decide her future.

The New York Times - Sports

The condition has previously ignited rumors of Li's declining health.

The Washington Post

Speculation that Mr. Perry may step down should Mr. Clinton be re-elected has ignited rumors that Mr. Deutch is first in line for the Pentagon job.

The New York Times

The demise of Dillard's founder and Chairman William Dillard who ranked No. 446 on the Forbes Top CEOs list for 1999–has ignited rumors like prairie wildfire: some suppose that his offspring, sons William Dillard II and Alex Dillard the firm's chief executive and president, respectively will split the legacy; others, that the chain will be devoured by its competitors.

Forbes

Photos from the family's Independence Day party originally ignited rumors that Swift was getting cozy with Patrick Schwarzenegger, who was also at the family compound.

Huffington Post

Elba recently said a meeting with Bond producers "never happened," according to The Hollywood Reporter, and credited current 007 star Daniel Craig for igniting the rumor.

Huffington Post

The "Felicity" alum, 38, and the Welsh actor, 39, who play hotblooded spies in the FX Cold War drama, have ignited dating rumors, according to People, which reported an alleged "date night" between the actors.

Los Angeles Times

That person you've wasted an estimated 13percentt of your lifespan watching on Snapchat ignited engagement rumors again on Friday with an Instagram post featuring some major ring bling.

Huffington Post

Queen Bey set the world ablaze when she released her visual album "Lemonade" over the weekend, igniting a firestorm of rumors that Jay Z cheated on her with a figurative girl named "Becky". .

Huffington Post

The rumors ignited after a fire at the lighthouse allegedly revealed a room full of charred pegs.

Huffington Post

Fearful that rumors would ignite a panic, the government irritated foreign diplomats by jealously guarding information about the quake and the nuclear crisis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "igniting rumors", be mindful of the context. It suggests a sudden and often unintended spread of speculation. Ensure this connotation aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "igniting rumors" when the spread of information is deliberate and planned. The phrase implies a spontaneous, less controlled process. For deliberate rumor-spreading, consider terms like "spreading disinformation" or "launching a smear campaign".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "igniting rumors" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, describing the action of starting or intensifying gossip or unverified information. Based on Ludwig AI analysis, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically describing the act of initiating or spreading speculation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "igniting rumors" refers to the act of starting or causing rumors to spread quickly. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. While grammatically sound, its frequency is low based on current data. The phrase is best used when describing a situation where speculation begins to escalate, often unexpectedly. Be mindful of the context to ensure the implication of spontaneous spread aligns with your intent. Related phrases like "sparking rumors" and "fuelling rumors" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparking rumors

Replaces "igniting" with "sparking", suggesting a sudden start of the rumors.

fuelling rumors

Substitutes "igniting" with "fuelling", implying a continuous provision of substance to the rumors.

stirring up rumors

Uses "stirring up" instead of "igniting", indicating an active instigation of rumors.

triggering rumors

Replaces "igniting" with "triggering", implying that something specific caused the rumors to begin.

generating rumors

Substitutes "igniting" with "generating", suggesting the creation of rumors.

setting off rumors

Uses "setting off" instead of "igniting", similar to triggering, implying a start from some action.

prompting rumors

Replaces "igniting" with "prompting", suggesting an action that encourages rumors.

inciting rumors

Substitutes "igniting" with "inciting", suggesting a more deliberate attempt to spread rumors.

fomenting rumors

Uses "fomenting" which implies instigating or promoting the growth of rumors, often negative.

instigating rumors

Replaces "igniting" with "instigating", indicating the action of initiating the rumors.

FAQs

What does "igniting rumors" mean?

The phrase "igniting rumors" means to start or cause rumors to spread quickly. It often implies that something has triggered speculation or gossip.

What can I say instead of "igniting rumors"?

You can use alternatives like "sparking rumors", "fuelling rumors", or "stirring up rumors" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "igniting rumors" a formal or informal expression?

"Igniting rumors" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for news reports, articles, and general conversation. Its formality depends on the surrounding text.

How to use "igniting rumors" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The CEO's sudden resignation has been "igniting rumors" about the company's financial health."