sparked by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sparked by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something was initiated or triggered by a specific event or factor. Example: "The discussion was sparked by recent developments in technology that have changed the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both were sparked by a mustardy vinaigrette.

The New York Times

The controversy was sparked by "gender workshops".

The Guardian - Opinion

"A lot of interest has been sparked by it.

Independent

Inspiration was sparked by other well-known friends.

The New Yorker

They were sparked by intuition, not analytic rigor.

The New York Times

This is not a comedy sparked by bright, funny lines.

The New Yorker

Their initial friendship was sparked by their love of horses.

The New York Times

It was sparked by an air-conditioner, officials said.

The New York Times

The academic controversy sparked by his reforms continued for centuries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Much of it is sparked by feelings of marginalisation.

The Economist

His fiction is sparked by "anything that distresses me".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sparked by" to indicate a sudden or noticeable beginning or cause. It's especially effective when describing events or reactions that arise quickly from a specific trigger.

Common error

Avoid using "sparked by" repeatedly in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for more precise alternatives such as "initiated by" or "caused by" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sparked by" functions as a causal connector, linking an event or action to its origin or trigger. It indicates that the preceding event was initiated or caused by the following factor. As noted by Ludwig AI, this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sparked by" is a grammatically correct and very common causal connector used to indicate that an event or action was initiated by a specific trigger. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it enjoys wide applicability, especially in news and media, science, and encyclopedic content, it is important to use it judiciously in formal contexts to avoid repetition. Alternatives like "triggered by" or ""initiated by"" can offer more precision when needed. Understanding its function and purpose allows for more effective and varied communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

triggered by

Emphasizes a direct causal reaction or initiation, similar to "sparked by" but with a slightly more mechanical or immediate connotation.

ignited by

Implies a sudden and intense start, similar to the literal meaning of "spark", but often used metaphorically.

initiated by

Highlights the beginning or commencement of something, suggesting a deliberate start.

caused by

Focuses directly on the reason or origin of an event, lacking the nuance of initial activation.

prompted by

Suggests an instigation or encouragement to act, implying a degree of influence.

resulted from

Highlights that something is an effect or consequence of a previous cause.

brought about by

Highlights the act of causing something to happen or exist, with an emphasis on the result.

led to by

Emphasizes the sequential aspect of causation, where one event directly results from another.

instigated by

Implies the act of initiating or stirring up an event or action, often with a negative connotation.

generated by

Focuses on the creation or production of something, often an abstract concept or energy.

FAQs

How to use "sparked by" in a sentence?

The phrase "sparked by" connects a cause and an effect, indicating that something was initiated or triggered by a specific event or factor. For example, "The protest was "sparked by" the new policy" shows the policy caused the protest.

What can I say instead of "sparked by"?

You can use alternatives like "triggered by", ""initiated by"", or ""caused by"" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sparked by" or "sparked from"?

"Sparked by" is the correct phrase to use when indicating the cause of something. "Sparked from" is not a standard or grammatically correct construction in this context.

What's the difference between "sparked by" and "inspired by"?

"Sparked by" implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship, where one event directly triggers another. "Inspired by", on the other hand, suggests that something served as a creative or motivational influence, not necessarily a direct cause. For example, a fire is "sparked by" a match, while a painting is "inspired by" nature.