a sheet of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sheet of flame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, flat, and intense fire or flame, often in a dramatic or vivid context. Example: "The campfire suddenly erupted, sending a sheet of flame into the night sky, illuminating the surrounding trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

And it went up in a sheet of flame.

The New Yorker

"I turned round to see Miss Tipping a sheet of flame," said Calthrop.

The Guardian - Film

They had seen a collision, a sheet of flame, and a slow burning on the water.

The New Yorker

"The map didn't burn, it simply vansihed in a sheet of flame".

The Guardian

Once the fabric catches fire, it becomes a sheet of flame that can easily overwhelm the fire-suppression properties of treated foam.

The New York Times - Magazine

Within 120 seconds, the plane had returned to earth in a sheet of flame, killing 113 people as it sliced into the hinterland of Charles de Gaulle airport.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"When that came in there was a sheet of flames," remembers Hosking.

The Guardian

Photographer Sean Hansford filed a stunning picture of a riot cop standing next to a sheet of flames and we had the front-page image.

The Guardian

This occurs, I should add, as a sheet of roiling flame, known as brain fire, spreads over the ceiling, reaching a temperature of 3,400 degrees.

The New York Times - Style

The Times reported that "brands and sparks shot in solid columns to fall as far away as Bond Street and Broadway," and that the center of the building "collapsed in a succession of roaring falls," with "a sheet of golden flame that towered 50 feet".

The New York Times

As the German ship fired her 15-inch shells, Mr Briggs, high on the compass platform, saw a vast sheet of flame blow up in front of him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sheet of flame" to create a vivid and dramatic image of a large, intense fire, particularly when emphasizing its visual impact and rapid spread.

Common error

Avoid using "a sheet of flame" in situations where the fire is small or controlled. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios that warrant a strong, impactful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sheet of flame" functions primarily as a vivid noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a dramatic fire event. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sheet of flame" is a descriptive noun phrase used to vividly depict a large and intense fire. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media sources, aiming to evoke a strong visual image of destructive fire. While versatile, it's most effective when used to describe significant fire events rather than mundane situations. Alternatives like "a wall of fire" or "a blanket of flames" can be used for similar effect, depending on the desired nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral to slightly formal register, fitting both factual reporting and dramatic storytelling. Most of the examples comes from News & Media, followed by Wiki and Science, confirming that it is a cross domain descriptive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wall of fire

Emphasizes the vertical and imposing nature of the flame.

a blanket of flames

Suggests a covering and all-encompassing fire.

an inferno

Implies a large, uncontrolled, and destructive fire.

a blaze

A general term for a large and intensely burning fire.

a conflagration

Refers to a large, destructive fire, often involving multiple structures.

a firestorm

Describes an intense fire that creates its own wind system.

a sea of fire

Presents a wide, expansive fire, similar to an ocean.

a roaring fire

Highlights the sound and intensity of the flames.

a consuming fire

Focuses on the destructive and all-encompassing aspect of the fire.

a raging inferno

Combines the ideas of uncontrolled intensity and vast scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sheet of flame" to describe a large, intense fire. For instance, "The explosion sent a "a sheet of flame" across the sky."

What's a good alternative to "a sheet of flame"?

Alternatives include "a wall of fire", "a blanket of flames", or "an inferno", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "a sheet of flame" a literal or figurative expression?

While it can describe a real fire, "a sheet of flame" is often used figuratively to emphasize the intensity and scale of something destructive or overwhelming.

What is the difference between "a sheet of flame" and "a burst of flame"?

"A burst of flame" describes a sudden, short-lived eruption of fire, whereas "a sheet of flame" implies a larger, more sustained and widespread area of intense fire.