provided the spark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provided the spark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition or requirement that must be met for something to happen, often in a metaphorical sense related to inspiration or initiation. Example: "The project can succeed, provided the spark of creativity is ignited among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Digital connectivity provided the spark, but the kindling was everywhere.

MIT Technology Review

Whatever is going on here, events last Saturday night clearly provided the spark.

The New York Times

Rookie Connor Lade provided the spark in both matches, helping create all three goals.

The Guardian - Sport

And in both cases, a third-party candidate provided the spark.

The New York Times

Hollywood provided the spark, but some new converts spoke of a deeper restlessness.

The New York Times

Hard-nosed Suez, where the first demonstrator was killed in 2011, again provided the spark.

The Economist

Historically, lightning provided the spark; when that failed, native Americans used to start small fires deliberately.

The Economist

If digital connectivity provided the spark, it ignited because the kindling was already everywhere.

MIT Technology Review

You assert that gunmen firing on a church in East Beirut provided the spark on April 13 , 1975

The New York Times

It was this idea that provided the spark for their business, which offers digital nomads and entrepreneurs creative help with marketing and brand strategy.

The Guardian

It was an evening of dysfunctional Greek families, for Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex followed the Britten, and there Hunt Lieberson again provided the spark.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provided the spark" to emphasize the initial action or event that led to a significant development or change. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting the catalyst for a larger phenomenon.

Common error

Avoid using "provided the spark" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "ignited the flame" or "set in motion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

Provided the spark functions as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing the catalyst or trigger for an event or action, setting the stage for subsequent developments. This phrase indicates the initiation of a process or movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provided the spark" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the initial action or event that triggers a subsequent development. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Sport contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "ignited the flame" or "set in motion" for variety. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability, making it a reliable choice for expressing the concept of initiation or catalysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acted as a catalyst

This alternative highlights the role of something in accelerating or enabling a change or event.

served as the impetus

This alternative emphasizes the driving force or motivation behind an action.

ignited the flame

This alternative uses a stronger metaphor, emphasizing the rapid and energetic beginning of something.

was the instigator

This alternative highlights the person or thing that starts something, often implying a deliberate act.

set in motion

This alternative focuses on the beginning of a process or chain of events.

triggered the start

This alternative directly indicates the beginning of an action or event due to a specific cause.

touched off

This alternative conveys the idea of triggering a sudden or explosive event.

initiated the process

This alternative is more formal, referring to the beginning of a series of actions towards a goal.

gave rise to

This alternative emphasizes the causal relationship between the initial action and its consequences.

laid the foundation

This alternative suggests that the phrase created a necessary base for something to be built upon.

FAQs

How can I use "provided the spark" in a sentence?

You can use "provided the spark" to indicate what initiated an event or action. For example, "The new policy "provided the spark" for innovation within the company".

What can I say instead of "provided the spark"?

Alternatives include "ignited the flame", "set in motion", or "triggered the start" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "provided a spark for" instead of "provided the spark"?

While "provided a spark for" isn't incorrect, "provided the spark" is more idiomatic and suggests a more significant or unique initiating factor. Use "provided a spark for" when referring to one of many contributing factors.

What is the difference between "provided the spark" and "fueled the fire"?

"Provided the spark" implies the initial impetus or beginning, while "fueled the fire" suggests continuous support or intensification of something already in progress. They represent different stages of an event.