a conflagration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conflagration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large and destructive fire, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The forest was devastated by a conflagration that raged for days, consuming everything in its path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's a cozy fire, not a conflagration.

The New York Times - Arts

The assassin's bullet set off a conflagration.

The New York Times

Not a conflagration, but there was excitement.

The New York Times - Sports

The sizzle was growing into a conflagration.

The New York Times

The mere name "American Psycho" set off a conflagration.

The New York Times

A single spark could trigger a conflagration, he said.

The Guardian - Film

A conflagration, the charcoal shell of a local landmark, a well-known carpet shop.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the gas boom that the world is currently experiencing is a conflagration to be celebrated.

The Economist

It feels more like a meeting, or a conflagration, of equals.

The New Yorker

Only a party-line loon would expect a conflagration to happen.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It has since become a conflagration that draws 40,000 people and has a budget of more than $8.5 million.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conflagration" when you want to evoke a sense of intense, widespread, and destructive force, either literally with fire or metaphorically with other overwhelming events. It adds a dramatic and impactful tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a conflagration" in everyday conversation or informal writing where simpler words like "fire" or "outbreak" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your language sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conflagration" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show it describing both literal fires and metaphorical outbreaks or conflicts. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it refers to a large and destructive fire, or a similarly devastating event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conflagration" is a noun phrase denoting a large, destructive fire or a similarly devastating event, often used metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. This phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, emphasizing the scale and intensity of the described event. While it can add impact and drama to writing, overuse in casual contexts should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "a large fire" or "an inferno" to better suit the context and audience. The phrase is best suited for contexts where conveying a sense of widespread destruction and intensity is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inferno

This alternative suggests a more intense and uncontrolled fire.

a blaze

This alternative is a simpler and more common synonym for a large fire.

a large fire

This alternative is a more literal and less figurative description of a destructive fire.

a wildfire

This alternative specifies an uncontrolled fire in a natural environment.

an explosion

This alternative focuses on a sudden and violent burst of energy, which can cause widespread damage.

an outbreak

This alternative shifts the focus from fire to a sudden and widespread occurrence, often of conflict or disease.

a cataclysm

This alternative suggests a more general and devastating event, not necessarily involving fire.

a major conflict

This alternative uses the term metaphorically to describe intense disputes or wars.

a widespread disaster

This alternative broadens the scope to any large-scale calamitous event.

a sweeping upheaval

This alternative describes a radical change or disruption, similar to the impact of a large fire.

FAQs

How can I use "a conflagration" in a sentence?

You can use "a conflagration" to describe a large and destructive fire, such as "The city was engulfed in "a conflagration" that destroyed many buildings." It can also be used metaphorically to describe other kinds of intense and destructive events.

What's the difference between "a conflagration" and "a fire"?

"A fire" is a general term for combustion or burning. "A conflagration" refers to a particularly large, uncontrolled, and destructive fire, often implying widespread damage and devastation.

What are some synonyms for "a conflagration"?

Some synonyms for "a conflagration" include "an inferno", "a blaze", "a large fire", and "a wildfire" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a conflagration" metaphorically?

Yes, "a conflagration" can be used metaphorically to describe events that are not literally fires but share similar qualities of widespread destruction and intensity, such as "The scandal sparked "a conflagration" of public outrage."