a sheet of flames

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sheet of flames" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a large area that is engulfed in flames. For example: The sky was illuminated by a sheet of flames as the forest fire spread throughout the area.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 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

Scooping up the frail woman, Beasley burst through a sheet of flames shrouding the doorway, carrying Hall to safety.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And it went up in a sheet of flame.

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian - Film

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

The Guardian

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

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

"A sheet of flame leaped out from fronting rifle pits and showers of iron and leaden hail smote the onrushing men," recalled a stunned Southern infantryman.

The New York Times

Artillery fire from Marye's Heights and Willis Hill, along with a "sheet of flame" from infantry behind that wall, decimated Union ranks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sheet of flames" to vividly describe a fire that spreads out in a wide, flat expanse, creating a sense of overwhelming scale and intensity.

Common error

While "a sheet of flames" is a powerful image, avoid using it repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions of fire to maintain reader engagement and prevent the phrase from losing its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sheet of flames" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It vividly describes a widespread fire, as seen in the Ludwig examples, conveying a sense of expansive and intense conflagration. It is grammatically sound, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sheet of flames" is a noun phrase used to depict a widespread and intense fire. Grammatically correct and primarily found in News & Media and Academia contexts, it serves a descriptive purpose, conveying scale and intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it offers a vivid image. When employing this phrase, consider its powerful imagery and avoid overuse for maximum impact. Alternatives like "a wall of fire" or "an inferno" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wall of fire

Emphasizes the fire's height and density, suggesting an impassable barrier.

a blaze of fire

Highlights the intense brightness and heat of the fire.

a curtain of fire

Focuses on the fire's vertical and hanging appearance, similar to a theater curtain.

an inferno

Implies a large, uncontrolled, and destructive fire.

a conflagration

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

a sea of fire

Suggests a vast expanse of flames, covering a wide area like an ocean.

a firestorm

Indicates a fire intensified by strong winds, creating a swirling vortex of flames.

a field of fire

Describes a widespread area engulfed in flames, similar to a battlefield.

a mass of fire

Emphasizes the sheer volume and intensity of the flames.

a river of fire

Suggests flames flowing in a linear path, similar to a river's course.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sheet of flames" to describe a fire that spreads out rapidly and widely. For example, "The explosion sent a sheet of flames across the factory floor."

What are some alternatives to "a sheet of flames"?

Consider using alternatives like "a wall of fire", "a blaze of fire", or "an inferno" depending on the specific image you want to evoke.

Is it correct to say "a sheet of fire" instead of "a sheet of flames"?

While both are understandable, "a sheet of flames" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "A sheet of fire" is less frequently used but conveys a similar meaning.

What imagery does "a sheet of flames" evoke?

The phrase "a sheet of flames" evokes the image of a fire that is not only intense but also widespread, covering a large area in a continuous, almost flat expanse, similar to a sheet of fabric.