on a moderate fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a moderate fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in cooking instructions to indicate a specific level of heat for preparing food. Example: "To make the sauce, simmer the ingredients on a moderate fire for about 20 minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cover the pan, and cook on a moderate fire for a good hour; the mixture should be of the consistency of a good thick sauce by the time it has finished cooking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Grill over a moderate fire until browned on one side, 4 to 5 minutes.

Los Angeles Times

Let cook for ten minutes over a moderate fire.

The New Yorker

Grill over a moderate fire, turning a few times, until marked and crisp outside and custardy inside.

The New York Times - Food

Direct grill over a moderate fire just long enough to crisp the casings and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Huffington Post

Cover the pot and place on a moderate flame.

The New York Times

Repeated RS Es were carried out in two adjacent but contrasting eucalypt stands on steep hill slopes in north-central Portugal that suffered a moderate severity fire in July 2005.

Environmental Research

The invading forces landed at 0725 hours on D-Day and were greeted with moderate fire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Clean outdoor aluminum on a moderate day.

WikiHow

While different subtypes of interneurons are labeled in this mouse line, we found a strong bias towards reelin-expressing, dendritically targeting interneurons with firing patterns showing delayed onset firing around threshold and moderate firing adaptation at higher firing frequencies.

Plosone

As expected, increasing the load level caused a (moderate) reduction of fire resistance.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "on a moderate fire" in recipes, ensure that your audience understands what 'moderate' means in the context of their stove or cooking equipment. Consider providing additional details like temperature ranges or visual cues.

Common error

A common mistake is assuming 'moderate' is universally understood. Since stoves and cooking equipment vary, avoid ambiguity by specifying temperature ranges or describing the visual appearance of the flame or heat source.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a moderate fire" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically in cooking instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. It indicates the manner in which something should be cooked.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a moderate fire" is a correct and usable adverbial phrase primarily employed in cooking instructions. Ludwig AI confirms this. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to ensure clarity in its application, as 'moderate' can be subjective. It is mostly present in cooking contexts across news sources, wikis and scientific articles. To prevent ambiguity, pairing it with temperature ranges or visual cues is advisable. Alternatives like "over medium heat" can offer similar clarity. Despite its general correctness, "on a moderate fire" appears rarely in texts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over medium heat

Focuses on the heat level directly rather than the fire's intensity.

at a medium flame

Specifies the flame level, which is the source of heat.

at a moderate temperature

Describes the temperature setting, suitable for broader applications beyond just cooking.

on a gentle simmer

Suggests a very low and steady heat, implying a slow cooking process.

at a controlled heat

Emphasizes the control over the heat level, suitable for precise cooking methods.

at a stable temperature

Focuses on maintaining a consistent heat level throughout the cooking process.

under medium intensity

Uses a more general term 'intensity' which can be used in scientific applications as well.

at half power

Specifies a power level setting, typically used with electric cooktops or appliances.

on a steady warmth

Highlights the consistent warmth, suitable for slow cooking or keeping food warm.

at a balanced heat

Implies an even distribution of heat, ensuring uniform cooking.

FAQs

What does "on a moderate fire" mean in cooking?

In cooking, "on a moderate fire" typically refers to a medium heat setting. It's hotter than a simmer but not as intense as high heat. The flame or heat source should be strong enough to cook the food steadily without burning it.

What's an alternative to saying "on a moderate fire"?

You can use alternatives like "over medium heat" or "at a medium flame". These phrases are commonly used and easily understood in cooking instructions.

How do I know if my stove is set to a moderate fire?

Check your stove's settings. A moderate fire is usually around the middle setting. If you're using a gas stove, the flame should be medium-sized. If you're using an electric stove, the burner should glow red but not intensely orange.

Is "on a moderate fire" the same as "on a low fire"?

No, "on a moderate fire" is not the same as "on a low fire". A moderate fire is a medium heat setting, while a low fire is a gentle, low heat setting. Use a low fire for simmering and slow cooking, and a moderate fire for steady cooking that requires more heat.