it started to sizzle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it started to sizzle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the sound or action of something heating up, typically in cooking or when something is beginning to become exciting or intense. Example: "As the pan heated on the stove, it started to sizzle, signaling that it was time to add the vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It started to sizzle.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Add garlic and sauté until it starts to sizzle and gives off fragrance.

The New York Times - Food

When it starts to sizzle, add the spring onions to the pan for another minute.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As it starts to sizzle, brown the beef in batches all over, then remove to a plate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Melt the knob of butter in a frying pan over a medium-high heat until it starts to sizzle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When it starts to sizzle, add the onion and fry for 15 minutes, stirring from time to time, until soft and golden-brown.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Heat butter over medium high heat in a Dutch oven or other casserole large enough to hold goat meat until it starts to sizzle.

The New York Times

When it starts to sizzle, add the remaining teaspoon of chilli flakes, cook for a minute, then brush liberally over the cake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When it starts to sizzle, bring it up just a bit to medium.

Huffington Post

2) just when it starts to sizzle add the chicken stock and coconut milk.

Huffington Post

In a frying pan, heat the oil until it starts to sizzle.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ the phrase to indicate the beginning of a period of excitement or tension in a narrative, suggesting a build-up of energy or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "it started to sizzle" in contexts where the sound or heat element is irrelevant or nonsensical. For instance, describing an abstract concept or emotion as "sizzling" might sound awkward or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started to sizzle" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the auditory and sometimes visual phenomenon of something beginning to heat up, as Ludwig AI confirms with examples of cooking contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it started to sizzle" is a descriptive phrase primarily used to depict the sound and visual cues of something beginning to heat up, most often in cooking scenarios. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news media and online cooking resources. While it can be used metaphorically to describe other intensifying situations, care should be taken to ensure the context remains relevant. Consider using alternative phrases like "it began to bubble" or "it began to heat up" for varied descriptive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began to bubble

Focuses on the bubbling aspect of a liquid heating up, rather than the sizzling sound.

it commenced to hiss

Replaces "sizzle" with a "hiss", emphasizing a different sound associated with heat or friction.

it started to heat up

A more general description of increasing temperature, lacking the specific sound imagery.

it began to intensify

Shifts from a sensory description to a general sense of increasing intensity.

it sprung to life

Implies a sudden activation or beginning, similar to the start of a "sizzle".

it became lively

Transfers the idea of "sizzling" into an indication of 'becoming lively' or 'more active'.

it sparked into action

Suggests an immediate and energetic start, like the initial "sizzle".

it was coming alive

Focuses on something awakening or beginning to show activity, similar to heat activating a "sizzle".

it gained momentum

Describes a gradual build-up, similar to a "sizzle" that intensifies over time.

the heat was on

An idiomatic expression implying increasing pressure or activity, sharing the element of rising intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "it started to sizzle" to describe the sound of food cooking in a pan, such as "As the butter melted, "it started to sizzle", signaling it was ready for the garlic".

What's a more general alternative to "it started to sizzle"?

A more general alternative would be "it began to heat up", which conveys the increase in temperature without the specific sound imagery.

Can "it started to sizzle" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "it started to sizzle" can be used metaphorically to describe a situation becoming more exciting or intense. For example, "The rivalry between the teams "started to heat up" and "it started to sizzle" as the championship approached".

What are some common words associated with "it started to sizzle"?

Common words associated with "it started to sizzle" include "pan", "butter", "oil", "garlic", "heat", and "cooking". These words help create a vivid image of the cooking process.