point of ignition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point of ignition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to fire, combustion, or metaphorically to indicate the start of an event or process. Example: "The point of ignition for the fire was traced back to a faulty electrical outlet."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's the point of ignition that transcends reality.

The New Yorker

The point of ignition was most probably between the first and second bags.

The New York Times

It begins with two motorcycle races, on different continents and decades, but each one is a point of ignition for the rest of the book.

The Guardian - Books

But raising its energies still further to the point of ignition could take a year or more of experimentation and might, officials concede, prove daunting and perhaps impossible.

The New York Times - Science

In a properly functioning engine, the charge burns with the flame front progressing smoothly from the point of ignition across the combustion chamber.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It isn't easy.Lynda Gratton, a professor at the London Business School, notes that the best teams coalesce around a "point of ignition".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Note: In the map showing the fires that took place in the Napa area in 2017, not all points of ignition are shown, nor fires for which Pacific Gas & Electric was not found to have violated state law.

The New York Times

The model analysis points out that the considered reactor design has high parametric sensitivity, there is a probability of arisen of a hysteresis with points of ignition and extinction.

Chemical Engineering Journal

Cancer is a very complex fire, which can have a number of points of ignition (lifestyle, genetics, environmental among them).

Huffington Post

In a target which has been heated and compressed to the point of thermonuclear ignition, energy can then heat surrounding fuel to cause it to fuse as well, potentially releasing tremendous amounts of energy.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

A one-point continuation method is also included in the code that allows for the description of turning points, typical of ignition and extinction behavior.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the start of an event, consider if "point of ignition" accurately conveys the sense of a specific location or event that triggers something. If the focus is more on the general cause, alternatives like "triggering event" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "point of ignition" too loosely in abstract scenarios where the imagery of fire is not relevant. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound cliché or awkward. Instead, choose a more fitting term like "catalyst" or "turning point" for non-literal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of ignition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific location or event where combustion or, metaphorically, a process begins. Ludwig AI shows examples in scientific and narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "point of ignition" is a noun phrase commonly used to denote the location or event that initiates combustion or, metaphorically, a significant process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, especially in scientific and news-related domains. While alternatives like "ignition source" and "trigger point" exist, "point of ignition" remains a versatile and widely understood term. Remember to avoid overuse in overly abstract contexts where the fire imagery isn't relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ignition source

Focuses specifically on the source causing ignition, simplifying the original phrase.

trigger point

Emphasizes the triggering aspect, applicable in both literal and figurative contexts.

starting point

Highlights the beginning or initiation aspect, broadening the application beyond literal ignition.

flashpoint

Refers to a critical moment or place where something volatile begins.

inciting incident

Commonly used in narrative contexts to describe the event that sets the plot in motion.

sparking event

Highlights the event that causes something to begin or ignite.

initial spark

Emphasizes the very first element that leads to ignition or a series of events.

root cause

Focuses on the underlying cause that leads to a specific outcome or ignition.

genesis

Highlights the origin or beginning, often used in a broader or more abstract sense.

nucleus of combustion

Specifically relates to the center around which combustion starts, suitable for technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "point of ignition" in a sentence?

You can use "point of ignition" to refer to the location or event that starts a fire, explosion, or, metaphorically, a significant event or process. For example: "The "point of ignition" was traced back to a faulty wire."

What are some alternatives to "point of ignition"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ignition source", "trigger point", or "starting point".

Is "point of ignition" a formal or informal phrase?

"Point of ignition" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It's commonly found in scientific, technical, and news reporting.

What's the difference between "ignition point" and "point of ignition"?

"Ignition point" and "point of ignition" are largely interchangeable, with "ignition point" being slightly more concise. Both refer to the location or condition at which something starts to burn or ignite.