simmering

USAGE SUMMARY

'simmering' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the state of something that is not quite boiling but still heated to a certain degree. For example, "The stew was simmering on the stove, fragrant and warm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1934, the Spanish army put down an independence revolt led by the then Catalan leader, Lluís Companys, which added to simmering tension before the 1936-39 civil war.

The Guardian

Soft, sweet, spicy and satisfying, it has become a work lunch staple, simmering away behind me on the hob as I write at my kitchen table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hopkinson fries them in butter before simmering, and Bates just fries them full stop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The ladies' feud has, needless to say, been simmering for a while.

The Guardian

More traditional Indian recipes simply add it fresh, simmering it down to a mush, but spinach being largely water, this leaves the dish too soggy for my taste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recorded in New York with LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, it opens with a limber strut, all undulating bass and Win Butler's breathy vocals, before briefly rising to boiling point and then simmering back down again.

The Guardian - Music

Tensions are still simmering over Ukip's role in the EU in/out referendum campaign.

The Guardian

Add the bicarbonate of soda to the boiling water, then turn the heat down until it's gently simmering.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For Craig, "Frog Music is a roiling, simmering brew of a novel … Donoghue is too eclectic a storyteller to write an uninteresting book, but she can and will do better than this".

The Guardian - Books

With simmering hostility, he stood long enough for Jane to expose five frames – the middle one is one of her most recognisable portraits and the best portrait of the playwright.

The Guardian - Arts

A number of the recipes also suggest adding pork, usually belly – cooked, as Luu and Stein suggest, by simmering the meat in salted water until tender, then thinly sliced before use.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotions or situations, use "simmering" to convey a sense of contained intensity or a potential for escalation. This adds depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "simmering" when you actually mean "boiling". "Simmering" implies a gentle, low heat just below boiling point, while "boiling" describes a rapid, bubbling state.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "simmering" is as a verb form, specifically the present participle. It often functions as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "Tensions are still simmering") or as a gerund. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simmering" is a versatile term, primarily functioning as a verb, that describes a state of being just below boiling point, both literally in cooking and figuratively in emotional or conflict-related contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is considered correct and usable in written English. Its frequent use in news and media, as demonstrated by examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, indicates its widespread acceptance and applicability. While “simmering” is quite common, remembering similar and alternative phrases such as ""gently cooking"" or ""underlying tension"" could be helpful depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stewing gently

Combines both the cooking method and the mild heat.

gently cooking

Focuses specifically on the low and slow heat aspect of cooking.

stewing

Implies a longer cooking time and a richer flavor development.

slowly heating

Highlights the gradual increase in temperature.

on low heat

Emphasizes the low intensity of the heat source.

underlying tension

Refers to suppressed or latent conflict or unease.

latent hostility

Highlights a hidden or suppressed form of animosity.

building up

Indicates a gradual increase in pressure or intensity.

festering

Suggests a negative or harmful process that is growing slowly.

on the back burner

Means being postponed or given low priority.

FAQs

How can I use "simmering" in a sentence?

You can use "simmering" to describe food cooking gently, like "The sauce was simmering on the stove". It can also describe emotions or situations, such as "Simmering tensions between the two departments finally erupted".

What is a good substitute for "simmering"?

Depending on the context, you could use "gently cooking" for food, or "underlying tension" for emotions or conflicts.

Is it correct to say "simmering anger"?

Yes, "simmering anger" is a perfectly valid expression. It conveys the idea of anger that is present but not fully expressed or exploded.

What's the difference between "simmering" and "boiling"?

"Simmering" refers to a gentle cooking process just below the boiling point, while "boiling" involves rapid bubbling and a higher temperature. Simmering implies a slower, more controlled heat.