a ball of flames

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ball of flames" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, round mass of fire, often in a dramatic or vivid context. Example: "The explosion sent a ball of flames into the sky, illuminating the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The sun is a ball of flames".

The New York Times - Books

The warplane appears to spiral into a ball of flames.

The Guardian

I was ready to go down in a ball of flames to become a mother.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The craft falls from the sky in a ball of flames trailing black smoke.

The Guardian

"It was a ball of flames that was high or higher than the apartments.

The Guardian

Wei recalled what happened that day, two months ago, when her aunt became a ball of flames.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It was a ball of flame.

The New York Times

People later told me they saw a ball of flame, 2m across, rise into the air.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Videos showed a ball of flame in the sky falling, and locals cheering: "God is great".

The Guardian

Seventeen minutes later the bomb erupted in a ball of flame.

The Guardian

Silhouetted against a ball of flame, a Moroccan protester lurched forward through a screaming crowd in the center of Morocco's capital, Rabat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a ball of flames" to vividly describe explosions, accidents, or intense fires in news reports or fictional narratives. This phrase effectively captures the visual impact and intensity of such events.

Common error

Avoid using "a ball of flames" in scientific or technical reports where precise descriptions are needed. Opt for more specific terms related to combustion, energy release, or chemical reactions depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a ball of flames" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement within a sentence. It vividly describes a specific type of fire, emphasizing its shape and intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a ball of flames" is a noun phrase used to vividly depict a large, intensely burning fire, often resulting from explosions or accidents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, where its dramatic imagery enhances descriptions of impactful events. While its neutrality makes it suitable for a broad range of writing, it's less appropriate in formal or scientific contexts that demand greater precision. Semantically related phrases include "fireball" and "explosion of fire", offering alternative ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fireball

A more concise term emphasizing the fiery nature and spherical shape.

an explosion of fire

Focuses on the explosive aspect and the sudden release of fire.

a sheet of fire

Describes a wide, flat expanse of fire rather than a spherical mass.

a burst of flame

Emphasizes the sudden and brief nature of the fire.

an inferno

A more general term for a large and intense fire.

a wall of fire

Implies a tall, upright barrier composed of fire.

a column of fire

Suggests a vertical pillar of fire rising upwards.

a sea of fire

Describes a vast, continuous expanse of flames.

a blaze

A simple and general term for a large fire.

a conflagration

A formal term for a large and destructive fire.

FAQs

How can I use "a ball of flames" in a sentence?

You can use "a ball of flames" to describe anything that suddenly explodes into fire, for example, "The car crashed and erupted into "a ball of flames"".

What is a more descriptive alternative to "a ball of flames"?

Consider alternatives like "fireball", "explosion of fire", or "sheet of fire" depending on the shape and scope of the fire you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "a ball of flames" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "a ball of flames" might be too dramatic for formal writing. Consider using more precise and objective language when describing fire or explosions in technical or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "a ball of fire" and "a ball of flames"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable, but "a ball of flames" specifically emphasizes the visible manifestation of fire, whereas "a ball of fire" can sometimes imply intense energy or force without necessarily a visible flame.