setting on fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'setting on fire' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation where flames are deliberately or intentionally started. For example, "The arsonist was convicted of setting on fire a historic building in the city center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Mr. Scorsese only scrapes the surface of just how brutal this riot became, with mobs hanging, mutilating and even setting on fire men and women alike.

The New York Times

To her, there was an even fiercer connection than street ties between Israel Torres and the man he is accused of setting on fire.

The New York Times

NOAA scientists at the time were rescuing turtles -- dozens of them -- from precisely the same kinds of floating "oil lines" and "weed lines" that BP-hired shrimp boats were corralling with boom and then setting on fire.

Huffington Post

In Latin, inflammatio means "setting on fire," and as I considered the searing pain in my injured hand I understood how the condition earned its name.

The New Yorker

She was stabbed in the chest at 3 A.M. yesterday in her apartment at 2094 Creston Avenue in the Bronx, which Mr. Watson is accused of setting on fire, said Officer Leslie Cardona, a Police Department spokeswoman.

The New York Times

GEN. RUDENKO: And during these sessions which you mentioned were the questions raised about murders and burning of cities? LAHOUSEN: There was no talk at these discussions about setting on fire, but mention was made of the orders which had been issued with respect to the prisoners.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

One was even set on fire.

The Guardian

Women and girls were gang-raped and set on fire.

The New Yorker

He was doused with white spirits and set on fire.

The Guardian

She had been shot several times and set on fire.

HuffPost

I got set on fire one time in 7th grade.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "setting on fire" in creative writing, consider the emotional impact of the image. The phrase can evoke strong feelings of destruction, anger, or passion.

Common error

Avoid using "setting on fire" lightly in professional contexts where literal interpretation is expected. Ensure the figurative meaning is clear and appropriate for the audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "setting on fire" is as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. It describes an ongoing action of causing something to ignite and burn. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "setting on fire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of igniting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct for written English. Its prevalence in news and media, along with its presence in academic sources, suggests a wide applicability. While its tone can be intense, careful consideration of context will ensure appropriate usage. Related phrases like ""igniting"", ""torching"", and ""incinerating"" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting ablaze

Highlights the intensity and rapid spread of flames.

lighting

A general term for starting a fire or causing something to burn.

igniting

Focuses on the act of starting a fire, often with an emphasis on the initial spark or flame.

torching

Implies arson or deliberate destruction by fire.

kindling a flame

Emphasizes the careful process of starting and nurturing a fire.

incinerating

Suggests complete destruction by burning to ashes.

combusting

A more scientific term for burning, often used in technical contexts.

inflaming

Can refer to both literal burning and the act of stirring up strong emotions.

sparking

Focuses on the initial action of creating a spark that can lead to a fire.

enkindling

Similar to igniting, but often used in a more figurative or poetic sense.

FAQs

How can I use "setting on fire" in a sentence?

The phrase "setting on fire" describes the action of igniting something. For example, "The protesters were accused of "setting on fire" vehicles during the riot".

What verbs are similar to "setting on fire"?

Similar verbs include "igniting", "kindling", "torching", and "incinerating", each with slightly different connotations related to the intensity and purpose of the burning.

What is the difference between "setting on fire" and "lighting"?

"Setting on fire" often implies a more destructive or violent act of ignition, while "lighting" is a more neutral term for starting a fire or causing something to burn.

Is "setting on fire" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "setting on fire" may be too graphic or emotionally charged for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like ""igniting"" or "combusting" depending on the specific context.