a stream of flames

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stream of flames" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous flow or movement of fire, often in a dramatic or vivid context. Example: "As the fire spread through the forest, it created a terrifying sight of a stream of flames engulfing the trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Within two minutes, fire consumed the gasoline-powered vehicle; the vehicle with the hydrogen tank suffered little damage as a stream of flames shot up and away from the car and petered out.

The New York Times

Lane's soldiers destroyed some of Osceola's liquor supply, igniting it so that "a stream of flames" ran downhill into the Osage River — but they also consumed a considerable portion of the supply themselves.

The New York Times

Before pouring, the drink is set afire so that as it pours, there is a stream of flames that goes back and forth, creating a true theatrical appeal.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A stream of flame The weighing of the machines began (Reuter's correspondent says) with a most alarming incident.

The Guardian

The North's official news agency also said the country's leader Kim Jobservedbserved from a test facility as the ballistic missile surged from a submarine and spewed out a "massive stream of flames" as it soared into the sky.

BBC

Gas lines were also buried in the sand to supply a steady stream of flames.

Wikipedia

The Chinese applied the use of double-piston bellows to pump petrol out of a single cylinder (with an upstroke and downstroke), lit at the end by a slow-burning gunpowder match to fire a continuous stream of flame.

Wikipedia

Immediately loud explosions occurred, and the whole side of the narrow street became a running stream of flame.

The Guardian

From the second the Dothraki surprised the Lannister army (chills) to when Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) charged a vulnerable Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) ― only to be saved a second later, seemingly by Bronn (Jerome Flynn), from Drogon's stream of flames  ― the episode was enough to make you say, "Aw, hells Snow!" .

Huffington Post

The large eddy simulation/conditional moment closure approach has been used to study excited, attached and lifted flames in a stream of hot co-flow air.

Combustion and Flame

I can only be proud and hope that her accomplishment sparks flames of determination from a stream of girls from the Bronx, by inspiring them to take pride in their roots and reach their highest potential.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stream of flames" to create vivid imagery when describing fires, explosions, or intense heat sources. It is effective in both literal and figurative contexts to convey continuity and intensity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a stream of flames" in contexts where the imagery doesn't fit. While it can be used metaphorically, ensure the connection to continuous, intense energy or emotion is clear to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stream of flames" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a continuous flow or outpouring of fire. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stream of flames" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to vividly describe a continuous flow of fire. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Although relatively rare in occurrence, it finds application across diverse contexts like News & Media, Wiki and Science, according to Ludwig's analysis of various authoritative sources. When writing, leverage it for its evocative imagery, but avoid overuse in contexts where the metaphor feels strained. Consider related phrases like "a river of fire" or "a torrent of fire" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a river of fire

Uses the imagery of a flowing river to describe the continuous movement of the flames.

a torrent of fire

Highlights the overwhelming, forceful quality of the fire, similar to a flood.

a surge of fire

Emphasizes the powerful, rapid increase in the fire's intensity.

a wave of fire

Suggests a sweeping, expansive movement of the flames.

a continuous blaze

Focuses on the uninterrupted and intense burning of the fire.

a burst of fire

Focuses on the sudden, explosive nature of the fire, rather than its continuous flow.

a cascade of fire

Implies a falling, flowing movement of the flames, like a waterfall.

a line of fire

Highlights the linear formation and advancement of the flames.

a wall of fire

Focuses on the fire's imposing, barrier-like presence.

a sheet of fire

Emphasizes the broad, expansive coverage of the flames.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stream of flames" to describe literal fire, such as "The dragon unleashed a stream of flames upon the castle", or metaphorically to describe intense emotions or situations, such as "A stream of flames erupted in his heart as he watched her leave".

What phrases are similar to "a stream of flames"?

Alternatives include "a river of fire", "a torrent of fire", or "a surge of fire". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a stream of flames" in formal writing?

While generally suitable, consider the tone and context. In very formal or technical writing, a more precise description might be preferable. However, "a stream of flames" is acceptable if vivid imagery is desired to enhance understanding.

What is the difference between "a stream of flames" and "a ball of flames"?

"A stream of flames" suggests a continuous flow of fire, while "a ball of flames" describes a concentrated, spherical mass of fire. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize movement or shape.