live wire

USAGE SUMMARY

"live wire" is correct and usable in written English.
It's an idiom commonly used to describe a person who is energetic, alert, or full of life. It can be used to describe someone's personality, or it can be used to refer to someone who is always up-to-date on the latest news and trends. Example sentence: My sister is such a live wire, always jumping from one project to the next.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

(Bantam) 22. LIVE WIRE, by Harlan Coben.

The New York Times

(Villa was, however, a live wire.

The Washington Post

"He is a live wire out there".

The Guardian - Sport

It runs like a live wire through those seven volumes.

Independent

"He was a live wire," Ms. Moran said.

The New York Times

He is a live wire on the rugby field.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Usually relaxed in interviews, she's a bit of a live wire today and can't sit still.

The Guardian

The live-wire personality — explosive, ecstatic — sizzles on.

The New York Times - Arts

And she is not the only live-wire orchestral presence.

The New York Times

He closed the program with a live-wire reading of Beethoven's "Hammerklavier" Sonata (Op. 106).

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Johnson, the live-wire entertainer of the "show time" Lakers, is mostly bland and political.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "live wire" to describe a person, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of high energy and potential unpredictability. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal settings where vivid descriptions are appreciated.

Common error

Avoid using "live wire" in formal or technical documents when referring to people, as it can sound unprofessional. Instead, opt for terms like "highly motivated individual" or "dynamic team member" to convey the intended meaning with greater precision and appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "live wire" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe a person who is energetic and animated. However, it can also function literally as a noun referring to an electrical wire carrying current. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "live wire" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun, denoting either a dangerous electrical component or an energetic individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in both literal and figurative contexts. While its literal meaning serves as a warning, the figurative sense describes a dynamic and active personality. Its register is generally neutral, but its figurative usage is more common in informal contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase appears very commonly in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hazardous electrical conductor

Directly refers to the dangerous electrical meaning of the phrase.

high-voltage personality

Maintains the electrical metaphor, emphasizing intensity and excitement.

charged personality

Conveys a sense of intensity and potential for action, similar to the electrical connotation.

energetic person

Focuses on the energy level of the individual, omitting the potential unpredictability.

energized individual

Highlights the state of being full of energy and enthusiasm.

sparkplug

Implies someone who initiates or ignites activity, similar to the figurative sense of "live wire".

dynamic individual

Highlights the proactive and impactful nature of the person.

electrified presence

Focuses on the stimulating or exciting effect someone has on others.

vibrant personality

Emphasizes the lively and engaging aspects of someone's character.

untamed spirit

Highlights the freedom and passion that a person has.

FAQs

How can I use "live wire" in a sentence?

You can use "live wire" to describe an energetic person, such as, "My cousin is a real "live wire", always getting involved in new projects" or to refer to a dangerous electrical wire, as in, "Be careful around that "live wire"; it could be dangerous".

What's a good alternative to "live wire" when describing someone?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "live wire" include "energetic person", "dynamic individual", or "vibrant personality". Each emphasizes a different aspect of the person's character.

Is it appropriate to use "live wire" in formal writing?

While "live wire" is acceptable in many contexts, it may be too informal for professional or academic writing when describing someone's personality. In those cases, a more neutral term like "highly motivated individual" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "live wire" and "sparkplug"?

"Live wire" suggests general energy and potential excitement or danger, while "sparkplug" specifically implies someone who initiates or motivates action within a group.