Burst of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Burst of flame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and intense appearance of fire, often in a dramatic or vivid context. Example: "As the fire spread through the forest, a burst of flame shot up into the night sky, illuminating the darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

From time to time there would be a burst of flame.

The Guardian - Books

They were delighted when one of the city's gas-storage tanks went up in a tremendous burst of flame.

The New Yorker

There were shouts, and an astonishing burst of flame in the night, in the direction of the Weidel house.

The New Yorker

A tremendous burst of flame came back at him from the day room, where some of the gas tanks were.

The New Yorker

While the enemies in both games die spectacularly, the games themselves do not end in a burst of flame or a spurt of blood.

The New York Times - Tech

Montoya won the Motorola 300 in Madison, Ill., but only after Michael Andretti's dominating performance ended in a burst of flame from a broken engine after he had lapped everyone in the 25-car field except Montoya.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I was driving along Houston Street when I saw a burst of flames from the second plane hitting.

The New York Times

If Kenyon Martin's game is like a burst of flames, then Jason Kidd supplies the steady infrared heat for the Nets.

The New York Times - Sports

As I approached the gas station near Beacon Hill I noticed a burst of flames and by the time my vehicle approached the gas station it was gone.

The Guardian

The footage shows that the landing was very close — the rocket appears to have landed perfectly, but slightly off balance, until it starts tipping over and then explodes in a huge burst of flames.

Independent

Petroleum bombs were thrown at three branches of the Russian state banks Sberbank and VTB in the western city of Lviv early on Monday, destroying one in a burst of flames and damaging the other two.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Burst of flame" to vividly describe a sudden and intense ignition, especially in narrative or descriptive writing. It's suitable when emphasizing the visual impact of fire.

Common error

Avoid using "Burst of flame" in highly technical or scientific reports where more precise terminology related to combustion or ignition is expected. Opt for terms like 'rapid combustion' or 'ignition flash' in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Burst of flame" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it describing sudden ignitions or explosions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Burst of flame" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe a sudden and intense appearance of fire. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to create a vivid image. When writing, use it to emphasize the visual impact of fire in narrative contexts. While acceptable in many scenarios, avoid overuse in technical reports where precise terminology is more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "flash of fire" or "ignition flash" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Flash of fire

Focuses on the sudden appearance of fire, emphasizing its momentary nature.

Flare-up of fire

Suggests a sudden increase in the intensity of an existing fire.

Eruption of fire

Implies a forceful and sudden release of fire, similar to a volcanic eruption.

Outbreak of fire

Highlights the sudden start or rapid spread of a fire.

Sudden blaze

Emphasizes the unexpected and intense nature of the fire.

Gush of fire

Describes fire as flowing out rapidly and abundantly.

Spurt of flame

Highlights a sudden, short emission of flame.

Ignition of fire

Focuses on the act of something catching fire suddenly.

Combustion flash

Refers to the rapid oxidation that produces flame, often used in scientific contexts.

Explosion of flame

Implies a rapid and violent expansion of flame, often associated with explosions.

FAQs

How can I use "Burst of flame" in a sentence?

You can use "Burst of flame" to describe a sudden appearance of fire. For example, "A sudden "burst of flame" erupted from the engine."

What's a more formal way to say "Burst of flame"?

In a more formal or technical context, consider using "ignition flash" or "rapid combustion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to "Burst of flame" for creative writing?

For creative writing, you can use alternatives like "flash of fire", "flare-up of fire", or "eruption of fire" to add vivid imagery.

Is "Burst of flame" appropriate for scientific writing?

While "Burst of flame" is understandable, it's often more appropriate to use precise scientific terminology like "combustion flash" or describe the specific chemical process if the context requires it.