making a fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a fire" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of starting or building a fire for warmth, cooking, or other purposes. It can be used in both formal and informal writing. Example: After a long day of hiking, we gathered branches and kindling for making a fire to roast marshmallows.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Sparling was making a fire — slowly.

The New Yorker

And he got busy at once making a fire in the woodstove.

The New Yorker

Making a fire after many failed attempts becomes a personal triumph.

The New York Times

On the way, they saw some street kids making a fire to warm themselves.

The New Yorker

* First, before making a fire, make sure that the fireplace is not purely decorative.

The New York Times

He's picked off the dead branches and is making a fire, and he thinks about its life span.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The force of the loading mechanism hitting the party snap should set it off, making a firing sound.

WikiHow

We must make a fire".

The New Yorker

They made a fire.

The New Yorker

Would two sparks make a fire?

Independent

If you are cold, make a fire.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "making a fire", consider the specific context, like camping or survival situations, and choose vocabulary that reflects that scenario.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone knows the basic steps of "making a fire". Briefly describe the process if the context requires it, especially in instructional or descriptive writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a fire" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity or process of creating a fire. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making a fire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase, denoting the action of creating a fire. As Ludwig AI points out, its versatility allows it to fit in various contexts, ranging from practical guides to narrative storytelling. While it maintains a generally neutral to informal tone, the specific context should guide vocabulary choices for maximum clarity. This guide highlights related phrases, common errors, and usage tips to help refine your writing about this fundamental human activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building a fire

Focuses on the construction aspect of creating a fire.

starting a fire

Emphasizes the initiation of the fire.

kindling a fire

Highlights the initial, delicate stage of starting a fire.

igniting a fire

Implies a more forceful or sudden start of the fire.

creating a bonfire

Refers specifically to making a large outdoor fire.

preparing a campfire

Specifies preparing a fire for camping purposes.

constructing a hearth fire

Highlights building a fire in a fireplace or hearth.

lighting a blaze

More dramatic and intense way to describe starting a fire.

managing a fire

Shifts focus to maintaining an existing fire.

stoking a fire

Focuses on adding fuel to keep a fire burning.

FAQs

What's the simplest way to describe the process of "making a fire"?

You can describe it as "starting a fire" or "building a fire" depending on the context.

Is "making a fire" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "making a fire" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing, but consider the audience and purpose. In some contexts, more specific terms like "fire ignition" might be suitable.

Which is more accurate, "making a fire" or "starting a fire"?

Both "making a fire" and "starting a fire" are accurate, but they emphasize different aspects. "Making" focuses on the overall process, while "starting" focuses on the initial action.

What are some common materials used in "making a fire"?

Common materials include tinder (like dry grass or cotton), kindling (small twigs), and firewood (larger pieces of wood). The specific materials will vary based on the environment and available resources.