is still burning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is still burning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that continues to burn, whether literally (like a fire) or metaphorically (like a lingering feeling or issue). Example: "The campfire is still burning, providing warmth and light to the gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yarnell is still burning.

The New York Times

The wreckage is still burning.

The New York Times

"The flame of democracy is still burning".

The New York Times

It is still burning," it reads.

The Guardian

Bouazizi's fire is still burning today.

The New Yorker

The rear of the police station is still burning.

The Guardian

A fire began that is still burning deep.

The Guardian - Film

Unlike the insurgency there, which is still burning, the protests were indigenous, spontaneous and mostly peaceful.

The Economist

"But the fire within the team is still burning as strongly as it was in 1981".

Independent

"The truck was incinerated, and it is still burning," Mr. Cissambo said.

The New York Times

Gathering like-minded people around to listen to music: that idea is still burning.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, vary your language. Use synonyms like "remains ablaze" or "continues to smolder" for stylistic effect and to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "is still burning" in overly dramatic or sensational ways that don't align with the overall tone of your writing. Overusing can make your writing sound insincere or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is still burning" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of continuation. Ludwig examples show it describing ongoing literal fires, unresolved conflicts, and persistent emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is still burning" is a versatile and common expression used to denote something that continues to be active, unresolved, or intensely felt. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, most notably in News & Media. While alternatives like "continues to burn" and "remains ablaze" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It's important to use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse and ensuring it aligns with the overall tone of your writing, and its intensity is most effective when emphasizing the persistent nature of a situation or emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to burn

This alternative directly replaces "is still burning" with a synonym, maintaining a focus on the literal or figurative act of burning.

remains ablaze

This alternative uses a more vivid adjective, 'ablaze', to emphasize the intensity and continuation of the burning.

is yet to be extinguished

This phrase focuses on the lack of resolution, emphasizing that the fire or issue has not been put out or resolved.

persists

This alternative shifts away from the literal image of fire to a more general sense of continuing or enduring, applicable to abstract issues.

lingers on

Similar to "persists", this highlights the prolonged existence of something, often with a negative connotation.

has not subsided

This emphasizes the lack of decrease in intensity or activity, suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

remains unresolved

This alternative is used for issues/problems that "is still burning" addresses, underlining the ongoing nature of a problem.

is ongoing

A very general term to show a direct state of continuation of something, regardless its nature.

endures

This conveys a sense of continuing to exist or last for a long time; can be applied to conditions or feelings.

is active

This focuses on the current state of activity or operation, suggesting something is still in progress.

FAQs

How can I use "is still burning" in a sentence?

You can use "is still burning" to describe a literal fire that hasn't been extinguished or metaphorically to describe something unresolved or a passion that persists. For example, "The fire in the fireplace is still burning" or "Her desire to become a doctor is still burning strongly".

What are some alternatives to "is still burning"?

Alternatives include "continues to burn", "remains ablaze", or "is yet to be extinguished", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "is still burning" in formal writing?

Yes, "is still burning" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying the persistence of an issue or idea. However, consider the tone and context to ensure it fits the overall style.

Can "is still burning" be used to describe feelings or emotions?

Yes, "is still burning" can effectively describe feelings or emotions that persist over time. For instance, "The resentment from that argument is still burning within him".