a fire escape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fire escape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a safety feature in buildings that provides an alternative exit in case of a fire. Example: "In case of an emergency, please use the fire escape located at the back of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I wouldn't poo on a fire escape.

The Guardian

"A fire escape is a fire escape, and a brick building is a brick building.

The New York Times

Does the building have a fire escape or emergency exit?

Harvard University

Farther back, a window looking out on a fire escape.

The New Yorker

The windows, which led to a fire escape, were gated.

The New York Times

Evans left later that morning via a fire escape.

Independent

Television images showed dramatic flames near a fire escape.

The New York Times

He later escaped down a fire escape and disappeared.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Barns said he watched a woman jump from a fire escape.

The New York Times

In "Fire Escape II," she arranged four children on the vertical structure of a fire escape.

The New York Times

The door was locked and officers used a fire escape to enter through a window.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing building safety features, ensure that "a fire escape" is regularly inspected and maintained to meet safety standards.

Common error

Not all buildings are equipped with "a fire escape". When describing a building, verify its presence; otherwise, use more general terms like "emergency exit".

Linguistic Context

A fire escape functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a specific type of emergency exit on a building. It is used to denote a structural element designed for safe evacuation during a fire. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in describing building features and emergency situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fire escape" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to an emergency exit on buildings, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media, academic texts, and wikis, its purpose is to describe safety features and evacuation routes. While the phrase itself is neutral, its use spans various contexts, from describing architectural details to conveying emergency procedures. Remember to use this term accurately, verifying the actual presence of a fire escape before using it to describe a building. Alternative phrases such as "emergency exit" or "fire exit" can be used for similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emergency exit

Focuses on the function of providing a route out during emergencies.

fire exit

Directly implies an exit specifically for fire emergencies.

building's exterior staircase

Describes the physical structure used for egress.

outside staircase

Refers to a staircase located on the exterior of a building.

secondary egress

Highlights the availability of a secondary or alternative path for exiting the building.

emergency stairway

Emphasizes the presence of stairs designated for emergency use.

back stairs

Highlights an additional stairway, usually at the back of a building.

external stairway

This denotes a staircase located outside the building structure.

outdoor staircase

Focuses on the location of the stairs being outside.

escape route

Highlights the availability of a path for escaping from a dangerous situation.

FAQs

How is "a fire escape" different from a regular staircase?

While both are sets of stairs, "a fire escape" is specifically designed for emergency evacuation during a fire, often located on the exterior of a building, whereas a regular staircase is for everyday use.

What are some common safety tips related to "a fire escape"?

Ensure it is clear of obstructions, regularly inspected, and that everyone in the building knows its location and how to use it in case of a fire. Also, ensure windows leading to the "fire exit" are easily accessible.

Can I use "a fire escape" for non-emergency purposes?

While primarily intended for emergencies, in some residential settings, "a fire escape" might be used as a small balcony or for access to a rooftop, although local regulations may vary.

Which buildings are most likely to have "a fire escape"?

Older buildings, particularly in densely populated urban areas, are more likely to have "a fire escape" as a mandatory safety feature. Modern buildings often incorporate internal "fire exits" and suppression systems.