spark
spark — noun
1. a very small glowing piece of burning material that flies off a fire or is produ
a very small glowing piece of burning material that flies off a fire or is produced when two hard surfaces are rubbed together, or a short bright flash of electricity that jumps between two conductors.
A spark from the campfire flew onto Asher's sleeping bag and burned a small hole.
countable: a spark from [source] + verb of motion
The mechanic saw blue sparks jumping between the frayed wires under the car bonnet.
plural sparks + verb: jumping between [objects]
Wei struck the flint against the blade until a spark lit the dry grass.
Layla pulled off her woollen jumper, and tiny sparks flew from her hair in the dark room.
文法句型
a spark of [material]
sparks [verb]
用法筆記
Frequently used with verbs of motion such as 'fly', 'jump', and 'shoot'. In electrical contexts, plural form 'sparks' is typical.
常見錯誤
2. a small happening that triggers a much bigger, usually negative situation — for
a small happening that triggers a much bigger, usually negative situation — for instance, a brief quarrel that snowballs into a physical fight, or a local complaint that escalates into a region-wide dispute.
The argument over a parking space was the spark that started a fight between the two neighbours.
the spark that + relative clause describing consequence
A small misunderstanding became the spark for a much larger conflict within the team.
the spark for [something]: prepositional pattern
The city's plan to close the public library was the spark that set off weeks of protests.
Economists warned that rising food prices could be the spark for widespread social unrest.
- trigger
more neutral in tone; can be used for positive or negative outcomes
- catalyst
formal; describes something that speeds up change without necessarily being the direct cause
- flashpoint
the moment or place where conflict becomes unavoidable
- prevention
an action taken to stop a conflict before it begins
文法句型
the spark that [verb]
a spark for/of [something]
the spark that sets off [something]
用法筆記
Almost always appears with the definite article ('the spark'). Often followed by a relative clause ('the spark that…') or a prepositional phrase ('the spark for/of…'). The result is typically negative — violence, conflict, or unrest.
常見錯誤
3. a very small amount of a quality, feeling, or sign that shows something may deve
a very small amount of a quality, feeling, or sign that shows something may develop or be present — for example, a spark of hope, a spark of curiosity, or a spark of genius.
Renata saw a spark of excitement in the children's eyes when she mentioned the trip to the aquarium.
a spark of [emotion] + in [someone's] eyes
Even after months of treatment, Camille never lost the spark of hope in her voice.
The young pianist showed a spark of genius that made the audience sit up and listen.
Lakshmi felt a spark of curiosity when she saw the old photograph in the attic.
- absence
complete lack of a quality or sign
文法句型
a spark of [quality/feeling]
用法筆記
Always used in the pattern 'a spark of + abstract noun' (hope, curiosity, excitement, interest, genius). Never used with concrete nouns — you cannot say 'a spark of bread' or 'a spark of water'. The abstract noun is usually positive or neutral in tone.
常見錯誤
4. a casual British term for someone who works with electrical wiring and appliance
a casual British term for someone who works with electrical wiring and appliances in buildings.
James called a spark to fix the broken wiring in the kitchen ceiling.
informal British: 'call a spark' = call an electrician
Amani's uncle works as a spark for a large building company in Manchester.
When the fuse box started smoking, Abigail asked the landlord to send a spark round.
Lien called a spark to check why the lights kept flickering upstairs.
- electrician
the standard, neutral term used in all varieties of English
用法筆記
This sense is restricted to informal British English. It is not used in American English or in formal contexts. The standard term 'electrician' is preferred in writing and in most professional situations.
常見錯誤
spark — verb
1. to make something suddenly begin to happen, especially a debate, argument, confl
to make something suddenly begin to happen, especially a debate, argument, conflict, protest, or major change — for example, a comment sparks a heated discussion, or an event sparks a wave of protests.
The politician's careless comment sparked a heated debate in the national parliament.
spark + a [noun]: debate / argument / discussion
The discovery of oil off the coast sparked a huge rush of investors to the region.
A single photograph of the accident sparked public anger and demands for safer roads.
The new education policy sparked protests from teachers across the country.
A short documentary about food waste sparked a national conversation about recycling.
文法句型
spark [something]
spark [something] off
spark a [noun: debate/investigation/protest]
用法筆記
Often used in news and political contexts. The object is typically an abstract noun describing a conflict, emotion, or social response (debate, protest, anger, interest). Can be used with 'off' ('spark off') without change in meaning. Not used for positive interpersonal scenarios — you would not say 'spark a friendship'.
常見錯誤
2. to send out small bright points of light caused by burning material, friction, o
to send out small bright points of light caused by burning material, friction, or electrical current.
The old engine sparked and coughed before finally roaring to life.
intransitive: [engine/machine] sparks + verb of sound
Christopher watched the campfire spark as he pushed the logs together with a stick.
The broken toaster sparked dangerously when Asher plugged it into the wall socket.
The subway train's wheels sparked against the rails as it rounded the sharp bend.
文法句型
[something] sparks
[something] sparks [something]
用法筆記
Less common than the figurative sense (verb/1). Used to describe what machines, tools, or burning materials physically do. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 'sparks came out of' than use this verb form.