set alight

USAGE SUMMARY

"set alight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been set on fire. For example, "The wind blew embers from the campfire into the dry grass, which quickly set alight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A flower shop was set alight.

The Guardian

His home had been set alight.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A car outside was also set alight.

The Guardian

Houses were also reportedly set alight.

The Guardian

The explosive matter was then set alight.

The Guardian

"I accidentally set alight to the kitchen," he says, laughing.

Independent

Much of its commercial district was set alight.

The Economist

A Muni bus and the metaverse were both set alight.

The New York Times

"Althea didn't set alight any fire inside me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Two police vehicles were overturned and set alight.

The Economist

The kheymeh will be set alight any minute now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set alight" when you want to emphasize the act of causing something to begin burning, particularly in a deliberate or malicious context. For example, "The protesters set the barricade alight."

Common error

While "set alight" can be used figuratively to mean 'to excite or arouse', this usage is less common. Prefer more direct words like "excite" or "inspire" to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying 'The speech set alight the audience's passion', say 'The speech inspired the audience's passion'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set alight" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of causing something to start burning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from arson to accidental ignition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set alight" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase indicating the action of causing something to burn. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can be used both literally and figuratively, though the literal sense is more common. It has a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. While alternatives like "set on fire" are more common, "set alight" maintains a distinct presence, especially in news and descriptive writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity of intention and avoid overuse in figurative contexts where simpler words might suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set on fire

This alternative is a more common and direct way of expressing the same action.

set fire to

This alternative is a slightly more verbose way of saying "set on fire" or "set alight".

ignite

This alternative is a more formal and concise way to describe the action of setting something on fire.

set ablaze

This alternative emphasizes the intensity and extent of the fire.

kindle

This alternative suggests a gentle or gradual starting of a fire.

inflame

This alternative often implies a figurative sense of arousing passion or strong emotions.

light

This is a more generic term for starting a fire, applicable to various situations.

spark

This alternative suggests a sudden and often unexpected beginning of a fire or conflict.

incinerate

This alternative suggests burning something completely to ashes.

combust

This is a more scientific or technical term for burning.

FAQs

How do you use "set alight" in a sentence?

You can use "set alight" to describe the action of intentionally causing something to burn. For example, "The arsonist set the building alight", or "The protesters set tyres alight in the street".

What can I say instead of "set alight"?

You can use alternatives like "set on fire", "ignite", or "set ablaze" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "set alight" or "set on fire"?

"Set alight" and "set on fire" are both correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, with "set on fire" being somewhat more common in contemporary usage.

Is "set alight" formal or informal?

"Set alight" has a neutral register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be perceived as slightly more literary or dramatic than "set on fire".