What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spark
Example
The spark from the lighter ignited the candle. [spark: noun]
Example
The conversation sparked an idea in her mind. [sparked: past tense verb]
ignite
Example
He used a match to ignite the bonfire. [ignite: verb]
Example
The news ignited a wave of protests across the country. [ignited: past participle verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spark is more commonly used than ignite in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts. Ignite is more specific and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spark and ignite?
Ignite is generally considered more formal than spark, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context.
