a roar of flames

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a roar of flames" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the loud, crackling sound made by a fire, often in a dramatic or vivid context. Example: "As the fire raged through the forest, the campers could only stand in awe at the roar of flames that lit up the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A transformer beneath a sidewalk exploded in a roar of flames and smoke on Thursday, charring the light stone face of an office building and showering debris over a half-block stretch of Avenue of the Americas.

The New York Times

His project was interrupted by a roar of flames last June, when a suicide bomber swerved into his motorcade, killing two in his party and badly wounding his brother.

The New York Times

At 9.20pm, the men watched helplessly as the floors and supporting structures of the sumptuous rococo salons and ornately gilded multi-tiered auditorium crashed in, and the stage collapsed in a roar of flames, showering the neighbourhood with embers".We only just managed to get clear when the floor and stage caved in - we saved ourselves by a hair," recalls one fireman.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Significant revivals in recent memory include Kneehigh's joyously naughty exploration of the desire to dance and run riot, and Alan Cumming making a rock-star entrance in a roar of flame and a cheeky flash of bottom for John Tiffany's NTS production.

The Guardian

It crashed in a roar of flame directly into the hangar-like, three-story former warehouse in Khobar city, just outside Dhahran.

Los Angeles Times

UBUD, Indonesia — In a roar of orange flame, the body of Agung Suyasa, head of the royal family of Ubud, was reduced to its earthly elements on Tuesday, liberating his soul to fly upward, in a spray of sparks, through the night sky to the heavens.

The New York Times

Peeking through a small porthole of toughened glass, the fire burns bright orange with a fierce roar of flames.

BBC

Thomas Libreri, a home builder in Kinglake, said his first warning had been the roar of flames coming over a ridge toward his house.

The New York Times

The ride was comfortable and peaceful with no sounds of whirling engines, just the occasional roar of flames from the burners, as you enjoy the unique perspective of the terrain below from the safety of your basket.

Huffington Post

The crowd gave a roar of approval.

Forbes

'Ayotzinapa: A Roar of Silence'.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a roar of flames" to create a vivid and dramatic auditory image of a fire. This phrase works well in descriptive passages to evoke a sense of intensity and danger.

Common error

Avoid using "a roar of flames" to describe small or controlled fires. This phrase is best suited for intense, uncontrolled, and rapidly spreading fires to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a roar of flames" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive element to emphasize the sound and intensity of a fire. Ludwig AI shows examples of its usage in describing explosions, building fires, and other intense conflagrations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a roar of flames" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to vividly describe the sound and intensity of a substantial fire. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage, indicating that it's most commonly found in news and media contexts to create a dramatic effect. While effective, remember to reserve it for situations where the fire is genuinely intense to avoid diminishing its impact. Consider alternatives like "a burst of fire" or "a raging inferno" for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a burst of fire

Focuses on the sudden and intense release of fire.

a blaze of fire

Emphasizes the visual intensity and brilliance of the fire.

an eruption of fire

Suggests a sudden and forceful outpouring of fire, similar to a volcanic eruption.

a raging inferno

Highlights the uncontrolled and destructive nature of the fire.

a fierce conflagration

Emphasizes the intensity and scale of the fire, often used in a more formal context.

the sound of a firestorm

Focuses on the auditory aspect and the destructive power of a large fire.

a fiery explosion

Highlights the explosive nature and the presence of fire.

the crackling inferno

Emphasizes the crackling sound and intense heat of the fire.

a wall of fire

Depicts a continuous and imposing barrier of flames.

an outbreak of fire

Describes a sudden start and spread of fire.

FAQs

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

You can use "a roar of flames" to describe the sound and intensity of a large fire, such as: "The firefighters battled the blaze, overwhelmed by the "a roar of flames" that consumed the building".

What's a similar phrase to "a roar of flames"?

Alternatives include "a burst of fire", "a blaze of fire", or "a raging inferno", each suggesting a slightly different aspect of the fire's intensity and sound.

Is it appropriate to use "a roar of flames" in a formal context?

While "a roar of flames" is vivid, it's generally more suited for descriptive or narrative contexts. In formal or technical writing, more precise terms like "intense combustion" or "rapid fire spread" might be more appropriate.

What kind of imagery does "a roar of flames" evoke?

The phrase "a roar of flames" evokes a powerful auditory and visual image of a large, uncontrolled fire, suggesting danger, intensity, and destruction.