Cool MateIntensify vs Maybe i should fan the flame
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Intensify
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Maybe i should fan the flame
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Intensify
| Intensify | Maybe i should fan the flame | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪz/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪd/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪz/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪd/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈmeɪ.bi aɪ ʃəd fæn ðə fleɪm//🇺🇸 //ˈmeɪ.bi aɪ ʃʊd fæn ðə fleɪm// |
| Meaning | To make something stronger or more extreme. | It might be a good idea to encourage or intensify something. |
| Example | Violence intensified during the night. | Maybe I should fan the flame of our debate to make it more interesting. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | greatly, dramatically, rapidly, seem to, tend to, be likely to | fan the flame of motivation, fan the flame of passion, fan the flame of controversy |
| Antonyms | diminish, reduce, weaken | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'intensify' incorrectly with inanimate objects, like 'intensify the chair.', Confusing 'intensify' with 'intensification', which is a different form., Using 'intensify' in past tense incorrectly, such as 'intensified' without context. | Confused with 'feed the fire' which has a similar but different meaning., Using in contexts that don't involve emotions or motivation., Overusing it in casual conversations where simpler terms would suffice. |
| Usage notes | Use 'intensify' when describing emotions, situations, or actions that become stronger. It fits in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations. | This phrase is often used in discussions about emotions or situations where someone's feelings or tensions are increasing. It may not be appropriate in very formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Intensify vs Maybe i should fan the flame
What's the difference between Intensify and Maybe i should fan the flame?
Intensify: To make something stronger or more extreme. Maybe i should fan the flame: It might be a good idea to encourage or intensify something.
Which is more common: Intensify and Maybe i should fan the flame?
Intensify is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Intensify: Violence intensified during the night. Maybe i should fan the flame: Maybe I should fan the flame of our debate to make it more interesting.
Can I use Intensify and Maybe i should fan the flame interchangeably?
Not always. Intensify and Maybe i should fan the flame are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.