it will flare up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will flare up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or condition that is likely to become more intense or problematic, often suddenly. Example: "If we don't address the underlying issues, the conflict will flare up again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It will flare up again," he said.

The New York Times

It will flare up and this time is not far away, even if it is not so close".

The New York Times

Post-traumatic stress disorder is considered controllable but not curable, and often it will flare up years after the original trauma.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"If we're terrorised again, it's likely things will flare up.

Vice

"If we're terrorized again, it's likely things will flare up.

Vice

In addition, the dynamic nature of micro-time hot spots makes it difficult to predict when and where they will flare up.

Crime Science

We are entering a period when currency volatility will flare up time and again, and it will take nerve and resolution to hang on.

Forbes

You can disagree with her if it's necessary, but make sure you state things as kindly and gingerly as possible, or her temper will flare up.

WikiHow

"Hopefully nothing will flare up.

The Guardian - Sport

"A sort of civil war will flare up very soon," Mr. Win Tin predicted.

The New York Times

But the odds are that the crisis will flare up again.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will flare up" to describe situations where a problem or conflict is likely to re-emerge or intensify after a period of relative calm. For instance, "If underlying tensions are not addressed, the conflict will flare up again."

Common error

Avoid using "it will flare up" to describe gradual or continuous processes. This phrase is best suited for situations that experience sudden increases in intensity. For example, saying "The economy will flare up" to describe a steady growth trend is incorrect; "The economy will improve" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will flare up" functions as a predictive statement, indicating a future increase in intensity or a re-emergence of a condition. Ludwig shows that the expression is used in contexts where a problem is expected to become active again.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

19%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it will flare up" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to predict a future increase in intensity or recurrence of a situation, primarily in the context of conflicts, health conditions, or economic issues. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness. While not extremely common, its use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian gives it authority. When writing, ensure it is used to describe sudden bursts or intensifications, not gradual changes. Alternatives include "it will escalate" or "it will intensify", but the best choice will depend on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will escalate

Focuses on the increasing intensity of a situation.

it will intensify

Similar to 'escalate', but emphasizes the strengthening of something.

it will reignite

Implies a previous state of dormancy before a renewed outbreak.

it will resurge

Suggests a comeback or revival after a period of decline.

it will erupt

Emphasizes a sudden and violent outbreak.

it will flare back up

Indicates a return to a previous state, specifically using 'flare' again.

it will become aggravated

Focuses on the worsening of a condition or situation.

it will get worse

A simple and direct way to express the idea of deterioration.

it will come back

General term for returning of past events.

it will pick up again

Suggests a return to a previous level of activity or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "it will flare up" in a sentence?

You can use "it will flare up" to describe a situation or condition that is likely to suddenly become more intense or problematic. For example, "If we don't address the underlying issues, the conflict "it will flare up" again."

What can I say instead of "it will flare up"?

You can use alternatives like "it will escalate", "it will intensify", or "it will reignite" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it will flare up" or "it will flare down"?

"It will flare up" is correct to indicate an increase in intensity or a re-emergence. "It will flare down" is not a standard or commonly used phrase. If you want to express a decrease in intensity, you could say "it will subside" or "it will calm down".

What's the difference between "it will flare up" and "it will escalate"?

"It will flare up" suggests a sudden burst or re-emergence of something, while "it will escalate" implies a more gradual and continuous increase in intensity. The choice depends on whether the situation is expected to intensify suddenly or gradually.