inflame

USAGE SUMMARY

"inflame" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an verb used to describe something that is making an emotion, conflict, or situation become more intense. For example: "The news of the election results inflamed tensions between the two sides".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thompson's recent comments to that effect which have done so much to inflame political opinion were merely reflecting that view.

The Guardian - Opinion

The prime minister of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, claimed at a press conference in March that the alleged mistakes in ATR's documents were likely to have been "made deliberately to inflame the political situation".

The Guardian

Though the protests had no real ethnic component, any change to Brčko's unique status could inflame ethnic tensions.

The Guardian

Almost every observer pointed to the unparalleled power of unfiltered social media to inflame and to mobilise.

The Guardian

The prospect of a British Queen visiting those hallowed sights will inflame further the passions of the unrepresentative but vocal, often violent, minority who adhere to dissident republicanism.

The Guardian

Hay fever is an allergic response – the cells lining the nose become oversensitive to pollen (and in other cases, to house dustmites or animal fur) and release chemicals such as histamines that inflame the nose (rhinitis) and eyes (conjunctivitis).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His death could dangerously inflame national tensions which are already escalating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Frank Roy, the Motherwell and Wishaw MP, was widely criticised for warning Mr Ahern that his presence at a Catholic shrine in Mr Roy's constituency might inflame sectarian tensions after yesterday's Celtic-Rangers match.

The Guardian

The perception that Tehran is backing the Houthi power grab in Yemen is likely to inflame the situation in Pakistan, said Mushahid Hussain Syed, the head of the foreign relations committee in the Pakistani senate.

The Guardian

The chances of further taxes will rise if bonuses continue to inflame tempers.

The Economist

The system of rotating hosts has given national leaders an excuse to show off and offer lavish hospitality to their guests all counted to inflame protesters concerned about the plight of developing countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inflame" when you want to emphasize the act of intensifying negative emotions, conflicts, or physical conditions. It's particularly effective when describing how certain actions or words can worsen existing tensions or problems.

Common error

Avoid using "inflame" when a more neutral term like "increase" or "intensify" would be more appropriate. "Inflame" carries a negative connotation, so ensure the context aligns with this meaning to avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inflame" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It describes the action of making something worse, whether it be a physical condition, an emotion, or a conflict. Ludwig AI confirms this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inflame" is a versatile transitive verb commonly used to describe the act of intensifying negative emotions, conflicts, or physical conditions. As highlighted by Ludwig, its use is grammatically sound and prevalent across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that "inflame" carries a negative connotation and should be used judiciously to accurately reflect the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "stir up", "exacerbate", or "aggravate" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and precisely employ "inflame" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enflame

Similar to "inflame", but often carries a stronger connotation of passion or intense emotion.

stir up

Focuses on initiating or aggravating trouble or strong feelings.

exacerbate

Specifically refers to making a bad situation worse.

aggravate

Similar to exacerbate, but can also refer to physical irritation or annoyance.

intensify

Describes making something stronger or more extreme.

provoke

Highlights the act of deliberately inciting a reaction.

fuel

Implies adding substance to an existing fire or problem, making it grow.

worsen

A general term for making something less desirable.

trigger

Suggests setting off a chain reaction or a sudden event.

stoke

Like fuel, it suggests adding to something to keep it burning or active.

FAQs

How can I use "inflame" in a sentence?

You can use "inflame" to describe the act of intensifying a situation or emotion, as in "His controversial statements only "inflamed" the already tense debate".

What are some alternatives to "inflame"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "stir up", "exacerbate", or "aggravate" to express similar meanings.

Is it correct to use "inflame" to describe a positive situation?

While "inflame" primarily carries a negative connotation, it's less common to use it in a positive context. Words like "intensify" or "ignite" might be more suitable for positive scenarios.

What is the difference between "inflame" and "enflame"?

"Inflame" typically refers to worsening a negative situation or condition, while "enflame" often implies inspiring strong passion or excitement. The choice depends on whether the intended meaning is negative aggravation or fervent inspiration.