which can ignite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which can ignite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to start a fire or trigger a reaction. Example: "The chemicals in this mixture are highly volatile, which can ignite if exposed to heat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Decomposing vegetation produces methane gas, which can ignite.

The Washington Post

These biofilm sites periodically shed bacteria – adventurers, Berk calls them – which can ignite acute infections and fever.

University of California, Berkeley

This thermal energy creates a large fireball, the heat of which can ignite ground fires that can incinerate an entire small city.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The US Transportation Department is weighing tougher safety regulations for rail shipments of crude, which can ignite and result in huge fireballs.

The Guardian

When the angle is larger than 90°, the detonation wave dramatically attenuates at the diffracting point, and later some hot spots can be formed, which can ignite the combustible gas nearby.

Safety Science

Many of the buildings are so-called as-of-right developments that do not require the public filing of shadow assessments, which can ignite opposition with their eye-popping renderings of the impact shadows will have on surrounding areas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"The earlier the snow melts, the longer the fire season — so the more days during which fires can ignite and burn," said David Martell, a forestry professor and fire expert at the University of Toronto, by email, although he noted that he's unaware of any studies that have explicitly investigated this connection.

The Washington Post

The two critical cores of hydrogen ICE generator are ignition time control which can precisely ignite air fuel mixtures to make generator output stable power and air fuel ratio control which can adjust output power to satisfy load demand.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

The pellets are so dry they give off a fine dust which can easily ignite, Mr Shipstone said.

Independent

The flowers (white or pink) and the leaves give off a strong aromatic vapour which can be ignited, hence the names gas plant and burning bush.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among the coal mine fires, the conveyor belts are the primary dangerous combustive materials, which can be ignited by the frictional heating.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which can ignite", ensure the context clearly identifies the subject and the potential source of ignition. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Do not use "which can ignite" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the "which" clause directly and unambiguously refers to the noun it modifies to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which can ignite" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun phrase by providing additional information about its ability to catch fire or start a blaze. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which can ignite" is a grammatically sound relative clause used to describe the potential for something to catch fire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from news to science, with a neutral tone making it appropriate for professional writing. Remember to use it with a clear antecedent to avoid ambiguity. When writing, alternative phrasing such as "that is capable of igniting" might enhance clarity or suit different tones. Though not exceedingly common, its correct usage strengthens descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is capable of igniting

Focuses on the capability of ignition.

that has the potential to ignite

Emphasizes the potential for ignition.

that may cause ignition

Highlights the possibility of causing ignition.

with the capacity to ignite

Stresses the capacity to start a fire.

that is likely to ignite

Indicates a high likelihood of ignition.

that is prone to igniting

Suggests a tendency to ignite.

that might ignite

Implies a possibility, though less certainty, of ignition.

that could potentially ignite

Highlights the potential, though not guaranteed, for ignition.

that serves to ignite

Focuses on the purpose of ignition.

able to cause ignition

Stresses the ability to start a fire.

FAQs

How can I use "which can ignite" in a sentence?

Use "which can ignite" to describe something possessing the characteristic of being able to catch fire or start a blaze. For example: 'Decomposing vegetation produces methane gas, "which can ignite"'.

What are some alternatives to "which can ignite"?

Alternatives include "that is capable of igniting", "that has the potential to ignite", or "that may cause ignition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that can ignite" or "which can ignite"?

While both are grammatically correct, "which can ignite" is typically used in nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional but nonessential information. "That can ignite" is used in restrictive clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example: The gas "that can ignite" is dangerous.

What's the difference between "ignite" and "catch fire"?

"Ignite" implies the start of burning, whereas "catch fire" emphasizes the action of something beginning to burn. You could say "The spark "caused the fuel to ignite"", or "The fuel "can easily catch fire"".