a burst of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a 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 fireworks exploded in the night sky, there was a burst of flame that illuminated the entire park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Books

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

There is a flare, a burst of flame - for the buried fire still burns white-hot - and a pall of ghastly black smoke rises into the night, blocking the view of the illuminated Empire State Building.

The Guardian

A gas main exploded in a residential neighborhood in Philadelphia, killing a gas company employee, injuring six people and sending a burst of flame into the air, officials said Wednesday.

The New York Times

And as firefighters assembled there for roll call that warm September morning, Kevin Smith saw a burst of flame high in the north tower of the World Trade Center.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 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

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

I was going about three miles an hour, and instead of crashing and burning in a burst of flames, I just put my feet down and kind of walked the motorcycle where I wanted it to go.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a burst of flame" to vividly describe a sudden, intense ignition or flare-up, especially in dramatic or dangerous scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "a burst of flame" to describe ordinary occurrences like lighting a candle. Reserve it for situations where the flame is truly sudden, powerful, or unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a burst of flame" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, vividly describing a sudden and intense ignition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a burst of flame" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden, intense outbreak of fire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts, serving to create vivid imagery of dramatic events. While grammatically sound, avoid overuse in mundane situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "a flash of fire" or "a sudden blaze" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden eruption of fire

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the fire's appearance.

a flash of fire

Focuses on the brief and instantaneous nature of the flame.

a flare-up of fire

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

a sudden blaze

Highlights the intensity and brilliance of the fire.

a gush of fire

Suggests a rapid and abundant outflow of fire.

a spout of flame

Conveys the image of fire shooting upwards in a narrow stream.

a rush of flames

Emphasizes the speed and force with which the flames appear.

an outbreak of fire

Suggests a sudden and uncontrolled start of a fire.

a flicker of flame

Highlights the unsteady and wavering nature of the flame.

a surge of fire

Implies a powerful and sudden increase in the amount of fire.

FAQs

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

You can use "a burst of flame" to describe a sudden and intense appearance of fire, for instance, "The explosion caused "a burst of flame" that lit up the night sky."

What are some alternatives to "a burst of flame"?

Alternatives include "a flash of fire", "a sudden blaze", or "an outbreak of fire", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a burst of flame" in formal writing?

Yes, "a burst of flame" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a sudden and significant ignition. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context.

What's the difference between "a burst of flame" and "a lick of flame"?

"A burst of flame" implies a sudden and intense ignition, while "a lick of flame" suggests a brief and gentle touch of fire.