a burning paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a burning paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a piece of paper that is currently on fire or to evoke imagery related to fire and destruction. Example: "As I watched the flames consume the document, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss for the burning paper that held so many memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Rolled together with a burning paper heart," Mr. Silberman sings.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 2006, a 14-year-old boy was killed in Springtown, Tex., after dropping a piece of burning paper inside an active tank.

The New York Times

A couple days later, she sent me this picture of a piece of burning paper that she'd written "Bucket List" at the top.

Vice

The swingers watched her as she lay back writhing like a piece of burning paper.

The New York Times

Jarrell threw a notebook into the fire as a gust of wind "came out of nowhere," carrying the burning paper into a bush, the affidavit said.

Los Angeles Times

The men make a frightful noise & throw burning paper out of their cells--the pandemonium continues until everyone is pounded into exhaustion.

The New Yorker

When burning paper, use a metal container.

WikiHow

Other details reveal some of the stereotypes that the Chinese, or "Celestials," in nineteen-thirties slang, faced, including a bizarre court proceeding in which a white attorney insisted that the Chinese defendants be sworn in by burning paper and lopping off a rooster's head.

The New Yorker

Because much of the side-stream smoke comes from the burning paper wrapper, cigarette makers have tried a variety of techniques to reduce the paper's burn rate.

The New York Times

And he was going to put France back to work in a traditionally socialist way: by making up jobs and burning paper to pay for those jobs.

Vice

Enev also has a strong lyrical streak, which the poet Kassabova renders beautifully: "Suddenly her face shrivelled up and darkened like burning paper".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "paper on fire" or "flaming paper" to add nuance or intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "a burning paper" excessively in metaphorical contexts where the image of fire is not strongly relevant. Overusing this image can weaken the overall impact of your writing. Consider "scorched paper" or "incinerated paper" for different figurative effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a burning paper" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying the noun 'paper' with the adjective 'burning.' It describes the state or condition of the paper. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a burning paper" is a grammatically sound descriptive phrase, albeit rarely used, functioning primarily to depict paper that is currently aflame. Its purpose is to vividly describe or evoke imagery, and its register is generally neutral. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. While not overly frequent, its usage appears mostly in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the imagery aligns with your writing's intention. For alternatives, consider "paper on fire" or "flaming paper" for variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paper on fire

Focuses on the state of the paper rather than describing it.

flaming paper

Replaces 'burning' with a more intense synonym 'flaming'.

combusting paper

Uses the more formal and scientific term 'combusting' instead of 'burning'.

scorched paper

Suggests the paper has been partially burned or damaged by fire.

incinerated paper

Implies the paper has been completely reduced to ashes by fire.

a piece of paper aflame

Rephrases the sentence structure for emphasis.

blazing paper

Uses the word 'blazing' to amplify the intensity of the burning.

smoldering paper

Describes paper that is burning slowly without a flame.

ignited paper

Focuses on the action of setting the paper on fire.

paper in flames

Highlights the visual aspect of the paper being surrounded by flames.

FAQs

How can I use "a burning paper" in a sentence?

You can use "a burning paper" to describe something that is literally on fire, as in, "Jarrell threw a notebook into the fire as a gust of wind carried "a burning paper" into a bush". It can also be used metaphorically to evoke imagery of destruction or intense emotion.

What are some alternatives to "a burning paper"?

Alternatives include "paper on fire", "flaming paper", or "combusting paper" depending on the desired level of formality and intensity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a burning paper" metaphorically?

It's appropriate when you want to evoke a sense of destruction, loss, or intense emotion. For example, "The swingers watched her as she lay back writhing like "a burning paper"." Ensure the metaphor is relevant and adds depth to your writing.

What's the difference between "a burning paper" and ""scorched paper""?

"A burning paper" describes paper actively on fire, whereas ""scorched paper"" suggests that the paper has been partially burned or damaged by fire but is no longer actively aflame. The former implies an ongoing process, while the latter implies a past event.