kindled a fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kindled a fire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing how a fire was started. For example, "He kindled a fire in the fireplace to keep the room warm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Whatever spark or gift I possess has been transmitted to Lucia, and has kindled a fire in her brain," he said in 1935.

The New Yorker

"A Literary Friendship in Black and White: For James Baldwin and Sol Stein, Words Kindled a Fire" (news article, Sept. 13) showed the power of the collaboration of great American minds and cultures.

The New York Times

Joyce believed that Lucia's problems were somehow inherited from him: "Whatever spark or gift I possess has been transmitted to Lucia and it has kindled a fire in her brain".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The latter accidentally let his housemaid use the papers to kindle a fire.

Independent

Umoni was snapping armfuls of brushwood, kindling a fire in a low hearth.

The Guardian - Travel

His most cherished acquisition, a Rest, by Sir Charles Holroyd, shows Joseph kindling a fire under a kettle.

The New Yorker

The most common etiologic factor was kindling a fire with paint thinner.

Burns

"I said to the players, 'I'd rather kindle a fire than start one.'".

Los Angeles Times

Say some crafty terrorists worked out some insane Rube Goldberg contraption that required you to kindle a fire, debone a fish, and press a bunch of elevator buttons.

Vice

These may not be the easiest materials to ignite, but they will kindle a fire in desperate situations.

WikiHow

(Get it? Kindle a Fire?) Actually, the big news isn't the tablet — it's the price: $200.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kindled a fire" to evoke a sense of careful and deliberate initiation, often implying nurturing or tending to something new.

Common error

Avoid using "kindled a fire" in contexts where a simpler verb like "lit" or "started" would suffice. The phrase carries a degree of formality and should be reserved for situations where the nuanced meaning of careful initiation is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kindled a fire" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "kindled" is the past tense of the verb "kindle", and "a fire" is the direct object. The verb describes the action of initiating and nurturing a flame. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kindled a fire" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes starting a fire, either literally or figuratively. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's more formal than simpler alternatives like "lit a fire". As the Ludwig examples show, the phrase appears mostly in News & Media, suggesting a slightly elevated register. When using the phrase, consider the context and ensure that the formality aligns with your intended message, as the word "kindle" evokes a sense of care and intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ignited a flame

Replaces "fire" with "flame", offering a slightly more poetic or symbolic connotation.

lit a fire

Uses the simpler verb "lit" instead of "kindled", making the phrase more common and less formal.

started a fire

Employs the more general verb "started", broadening the context beyond careful tending.

sparked a fire

Replaces "kindled" with "sparked", emphasizing the initial moment of ignition.

set a fire ablaze

Adds the word "ablaze" to emphasize the intensity and rapid spread of the fire.

ignited passions

Uses the metaphoric meaning of "fire" relating to enthusiasm or strong emotions

triggered a reaction

Shifts the focus to initiating a response or sequence of events, figuratively.

instigated enthusiasm

Focuses on initiating eagerness or great excitement, especially about something.

fostered innovation

Highlights the encouragement of the process of making changes by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.

cultivated interest

Highlights the creation of interest for something through careful creation.

FAQs

What does "kindled a fire" mean?

The phrase "kindled a fire" means to start a fire, often with care and intention. Figuratively, it can mean to ignite a passion, idea, or movement.

How can I use "kindled a fire" in a sentence?

You can use "kindled a fire" to describe the literal act of starting a fire, as in, "He "kindled a fire" in the hearth." You can also use it metaphorically, as in, "Her speech "kindled a fire" of activism among the students."

What are some synonyms for "kindled a fire"?

Synonyms for "kindled a fire" include "lit a fire", "started a fire", "ignited a flame", or "sparked a fire".

Is "kindled a fire" formal or informal?

"Kindled a fire" leans towards the formal side due to the verb "kindle". Simpler alternatives like "lit a fire" are more neutral.