stirring

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stirring' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is emotionally moving or inspiring. Example sentence: His stirring speech inspired the audience to take action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stir the spinach gently until it wilts, then add the rest and keep on stirring until wilted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Something is stirring in Turkey's Kurdish region, and some predict a seismic shift in Turkish politics.

The Guardian

Did they want to be known for making the best movie of the year or for stirring up shit?" Aaaand I'm going to stop you there.

The Guardian - Film

Melt the chocolate and butter in a large bowl over a pan of very gently simmering water (or in a microwave, stirring between blasts).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cook for 35 minutes, stirring two or three times throughout to ensure even baking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cook, stirring constantly, for two minutes, until there are about two tablespoons of liquid left in the pan, then take off the heat and stir in the spring onion and coriander.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead of stirring the rice to release its creamy starch, as one would with risotto, the grains are left alone, so "the rice retains its 'soul', its inner shape", but, "by boiling it in the right quantity of stock or water it will absorb all the liquid as it cools down gently, and by the time it is completely cold it will be very sticky".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add the curry powder mix and fry for a further minute, stirring constantly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It looks quite bizarre, but don't worry – just keep gently stirring it every 6-8 minuntiluntit is is a nice, deep golden caramel colour (about 15-20 minutes).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now the novel is once again stirring up strong emotions, with the publisher Faber accused of portraying the book as glorified chick lit through its design for the book's 50th anniversary edition.

The Guardian - Books

But it might well be that the abrasiveness and tough talk of the Bush administration, softened though it has been by the debacle in Iraq, will suit a French president keen on stirring up national pride by tough stances on Iran, for instance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stirring" to describe a speech or performance, ensure the context clearly indicates the positive emotional impact it has on the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "stirring" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for more appropriate synonyms like "interesting" or "exciting" depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stirring" is adjectival, often used to describe something that evokes strong emotions or inspires action. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples where "stirring" modifies nouns like "speech" or "drama".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Books

15%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Opinion

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stirring" is a versatile word, commonly used to describe something that evokes strong emotions or inspires action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in diverse contexts. While frequently encountered in news and media, lifestyle articles, and book reviews, "stirring" maintains a neutral register, fitting both descriptive and narrative purposes. To ensure correct usage, avoid overusing it in very informal contexts where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inspiring

Like "stirring", it highlights the act of filling someone with the desire to do something great or meaningful.

rousing

Similar to "stirring" in the sense of inspiring or awakening enthusiasm.

stimulating

Focuses on the act of arousing interest or excitement.

sparking

Suggests initiating something, often a reaction or emotion.

mixing

Implies combining elements through agitation, focusing on the physical act of blending rather than an emotional impact.

motivating

Focuses on the act of providing someone with a reason to act.

agitating

Suggests a more forceful and disruptive movement, often implying unrest or conflict.

churning

Implies a more turbulent and internal movement, often associated with emotions or thoughts.

inciting

Implies provoking or urging someone to act, often with negative connotations.

whipping

Suggests a rapid and forceful mixing action.

FAQs

How can I use "stirring" in a sentence?

"Stirring" can be used to describe something that evokes strong emotions or inspires action. For example, "The movie had a truly "stirring" effect on the audience."

What are some synonyms for "stirring"?

Some alternatives to "stirring" include "rousing", "inspiring", "moving", and "exciting", depending on the specific context.

Is "stirring" formal or informal?

"Stirring" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term. It is appropriate for both writing and speech, but it is more common in formal contexts like news articles, books, and speeches.

What is the difference between "stirring" and "agitating"?

While both words relate to causing movement or excitement, "stirring" often has positive connotations of inspiring or moving emotions, whereas "agitating" typically implies causing unrest or trouble.