it started to burn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it started to burn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the beginning of a burning sensation or process, often in a literal or metaphorical context. Example: "As the fire spread, it started to burn the wooden beams of the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Moments later, he said, "it started to burn".

The New York Times

On the third round, it started to burn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She continues: "Unfortunately, he hadn't read the label and it started to burn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"First of all, I didn't realise it was acid; then it started to burn.

The Guardian

Surgeons used forceps to pull out a substance from the wound that was "like dense cotton and it started to burn," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I saw a fireball beside me, and I started to burn," he said.

The New York Times

By the end of the 70s I started to burn out on journalism.

The Guardian - Film

Sear without moving until dark brown, about 10 minutes (if it starts to burn, lower the heat).

The New York Times

I had to turn it off for a while because it starts to burn into your screen if you leave it on for too long.

The Guardian

It starts to burn at temperatures around 120 °C when in contact with air and ignited by a spark.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

A tear gas canister falls into the cabin or a police truck and it starts to burn.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical sensations, ensure the context clearly indicates whether the burning is literal (e.g., a fire) or metaphorical (e.g., a burning feeling).

Common error

Avoid using "it started to burn" in contexts where a more precise verb would be appropriate. For instance, instead of "the project started to burn," consider using "the project started to fail" or "the project began to collapse."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started to burn" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of a process or action. It describes the initial stage of something catching fire or experiencing a burning sensation. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it started to burn" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the initial phase of combustion or a burning sensation. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. While predominantly found in "News & Media", it also appears in "Wiki" and "Science" contexts, reflecting its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in whether the burning is literal or figurative. Alternatives such as "it began burning" or "it ignited" may offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to avoid overuse in situations where more precise verbs could enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began burning

Focuses on the action of burning, emphasizing the start of the process.

a burning sensation began

Specifically refers to the start of a burning feeling, often on skin or internally.

it commenced to burn

Uses a more formal term 'commenced' to indicate the beginning of the burning process.

burning initiated

Implies a more technical or formal initiation of burning.

the fire began

Simplifies the expression to focus on the fire itself starting.

it ignited

Emphasizes the act of catching fire suddenly.

it caught fire

Focuses on the event of something becoming engulfed in flames.

it started to smolder

Describes a slow, flameless burning process beginning.

the flames arose

Poetic alternative, focusing on the emergence of flames.

it set ablaze

Focuses on action of setting something on fire

FAQs

How can I use "it started to burn" in a sentence?

You can use "it started to burn" to describe something literally catching fire, like "The paper touched the flame, and it started to burn." It can also be used metaphorically to describe a developing sensation, such as "After the harsh words, anger started to burn inside of me."

What can I say instead of "it started to burn"?

Alternatives include "it began burning", "it ignited", or "it caught fire", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it started burning" instead of "it started to burn"?

Both "it started to burn" and "it started burning" are grammatically correct. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, with "it started burning" being slightly more concise.

What's the difference between "it started to burn" and "it began to burn"?

The difference is subtle. "It started to burn" implies an initial phase, while "it began to burn" can suggest a more gradual or prolonged process. They are often interchangeable, but context may favor one over the other.