started a fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started a fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone ignites a flame or causes a fire to begin, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The campers started a fire to keep warm during the chilly night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No. She'd started a fire.

The New Yorker

No one started a "Fire Omar" chant.

The New York Times - Sports

The bomb missed and started a fire.

The Guardian

They started a fire in the prison yard.

The New York Times

A voice said the shelling had started a fire.

The New York Times

He also started a fire on the premises.

The Guardian

None of those sparks have started a fire.

The New York Times - Arts

The bomb started a fire that wrecked the ship, killing over 100 people.

The Economist

A lone mortar shell fell in a small garden and started a fire.

The Guardian

He said the inmates started a fire which was quickly put under control.

Independent

Then his body cast fell off on the memorial candle, and it started a fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the cause of a fire, be specific about the ignition source and contributing factors to provide a clearer understanding of the event. For example, instead of saying "carelessness started a fire", specify "carelessly discarded cigarette started a fire".

Common error

Ensure the subject who or what "started a fire" is clear. Vague statements like "a problem started a fire" lack clarity. Instead, specify the source: "an electrical fault started a fire".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started a fire" functions as a verb phrase where "started" is the past tense of the verb "start" and "a fire" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started a fire" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of initiating a fire. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media. While generally neutral, the tone can vary depending on the surrounding context. For clarity, specifying the cause or agent that "started a fire" enhances communication. Related phrases like "ignited a blaze" or "kindled a flame" offer alternative ways to express the same action with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set alight

A more concise and direct way of saying something was ignited.

ignited a blaze

Replaces 'fire' with 'blaze', implying a larger or more intense fire.

set ablaze

Similar to 'set alight' but emphasizes the destructive nature of the fire.

caused ignition

Focuses on the action that resulted in the fire starting.

kindled a flame

Uses more evocative language, suggesting the careful beginning of a small fire.

precipitated a fire

Highlights the action that triggered the commencement of the fire.

sparked an inferno

Emphasizes the rapid and uncontrollable spread of the fire.

fomented a fire

Emphasizes the deliberate act of inciting or instigating a fire.

initiated combustion

A technical and formal way of saying a fire began.

touched off a conflagration

Emphasizes a large and destructive fire, using more dramatic language.

FAQs

How can I use "started a fire" in a sentence?

You can use "started a fire" to describe the act of igniting something, whether intentionally or unintentionally. For example: "The campers "started a fire" to cook their dinner" or "A faulty wire "started a fire" in the building".

What are some alternatives to saying "started a fire"?

Alternatives include "ignited a blaze", "kindled a flame", or "set alight". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality or emphasis.

Is it correct to say "began a fire" instead of "started a fire"?

While "began a fire" is grammatically correct, ""started a fire"" is more common and natural-sounding in contemporary English. "Began a fire" might be used in more formal or literary contexts.

What is the difference between "starting a fire" and "maintaining a fire"?

"Starting a fire" refers to the initial act of igniting a flame, while "maintaining a fire" refers to the ongoing effort to keep it burning by adding fuel and managing airflow. So, "starting a fire" is the beginning, and maintaining it is the continuation.