spark

USAGE SUMMARY

'spark' is an accepted and correct word in written English.
You can use it to talk about a small spark of light, a spark of inspiration, a spark of enthusiasm, etc. Example sentence: His enthusiasm was like a spark, quickly igniting everyone in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A single spark could have lit the gas.

The Guardian

Guardian Australia's editor-in-chief Katharine Viner, who is also deputy editor of the Guardian, promised to deliver an independent perspective on Australian and world news using "digital storytelling" to spark debate and put readers at the heart of the discussion.

The Guardian

The spark that night came from Roma fans repeatedly throwing bottles from Curva Nord.

The Guardian - Sport

18 min: "Come now Jacob, maybe the Countdown started because some UEFA bright spark suggested using Europe's "The Final Countdown" before games, but things got lost in translation?

The Guardian - Sport

Astley thinks that something as simple as sending a LinkedIn message or replying to a single tweet can spark a long professional relationship.

The Guardian

In Athens, news of the undercover tax agents was quick to spark ridicule and widespread disbelief.

The Guardian

Relatives, visitors and staff can use them to spark conversation and memories.

The Guardian

"You could glimpse a wonderful revolution, that spark of the dream of people being together.

The Guardian - Film

Those shackles might spark a discussion about the character and psychology of consumerism today, and the relationship between brands and consumers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fears that months of debate over how to resolve the Greek debt crisis had brought the world economy to another "Lehman's moment" led several prominent analysts to warn that the situation could spark a run on bank stocks next week.

The Guardian - Business

The on-loan Bolton forward spotted Murphy off his line and lofted the ball home supremely from long range to spark a premature mini pitch invasion, which was followed by a much bigger one on the final whistle.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spark" as a noun, ensure it accurately represents a small but potent element. Example: "That idea was the spark that ignited the project."

Common error

While "spark" is versatile, avoid relying on it excessively, especially in academic or business writing. Replace it with more precise verbs like "initiate", "trigger", or "stimulate" to maintain clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The word "spark" functions primarily as a noun referring to a small flash of light or a trace of something, or as a verb meaning to initiate or trigger something. Ludwig AI indicates its versatile usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "spark" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting either a brief flash of light or the initiation of an action or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its prevalence is reflected in the numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. When writing, it's important to be mindful of the context and consider more precise alternatives such as "ignite", "trigger", or "stimulate", especially in formal settings. While "spark" is commonly used, ensure that it accurately captures the intended meaning, whether it's a small but potent element or the catalyst for a larger process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ignite

Emphasizes the act of setting something on fire or initiating a process.

trigger

Focuses on the action of initiating a chain of events or reaction.

set off

Implies causing something to explode or begin.

stimulate

Highlights the act of encouraging growth, development, or activity.

touch off

Focuses on initiating a sudden, often forceful reaction.

prompt

Implies causing someone to take a specific action.

generate

Focuses on creating or producing something.

initiate

Emphasizes the beginning or commencement of something.

arouse

Focuses on evoking a feeling or response.

awaken

Suggests bringing something back to life or consciousness.

FAQs

How can I use "spark" in a sentence?

You can use "spark" to describe a literal flash of light or figuratively to mean initiating something, such as "The new policy "sparked a debate"".

What can I say instead of "spark"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ignite", "trigger", or "stimulate".

Which is correct, "spark" or "sparkle"?

"Spark" and "sparkle" have related but distinct meanings. "Spark" refers to a small flash or initiating action, while "sparkle" describes a glittering or shimmering quality.

What's the difference between "spark" and "trigger"?

"Spark" often implies a subtle or initial stimulus, while "trigger" suggests a more direct and immediate cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The event "sparked interest"", versus "The alarm "triggered the security system"".