ball of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ball of flame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, spherical fire or a bright, fiery object, often in a dramatic or poetic context. Example: "The sky was lit up by a massive ball of flame as the meteor streaked across the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It was a ball of flame.

The New York Times

People later told me they saw a ball of flame, 2m across, rise into the air.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Videos showed a ball of flame in the sky falling, and locals cheering: "God is great".

The Guardian

Seventeen minutes later the bomb erupted in a ball of flame.

The Guardian

Silhouetted against a ball of flame, a Moroccan protester lurched forward through a screaming crowd in the center of Morocco's capital, Rabat.

The New York Times

Maria Monroy, 41, cannot shake the fear she felt at seeing a ball of flame engulfing her neighborhood and people running barefoot and screaming in the street.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

We're not talking your average not-so-hot career moment; we're talking a total ball-of-flames-style departure from an industry that I thought I'd spend my life in.

Huffington Post

The sun is a ball of flames".

The New York Times - Books

The warplane appears to spiral into a ball of flames.

The Guardian

I was ready to go down in a ball of flames to become a mother.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The craft falls from the sky in a ball of flames trailing black smoke.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ball of flame" to vividly describe sudden, large eruptions of fire, particularly when emphasizing the shape and intensity of the flames. This is particularly effective in narrative or descriptive writing to create a strong visual image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "ball of flame" in technical or scientific writing where precise terminology is required. Instead, opt for specific terms related to combustion, explosions, or thermal events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ball of flame" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used to describe a fiery object. For example, "The plane crashed, erupting in a ball of flame."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ball of flame" is a common noun phrase used to describe a sudden, intense burst of fire, often in a spherical shape. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It's frequently found in news reports and descriptive narratives, serving to vividly portray dramatic events. While acceptable in neutral contexts, it may be less suitable for highly formal or technical writing. Related phrases include "fireball" and "sphere of fire". When writing, use "ball of flame" to effectively convey the visual impact and intensity of a fire, but avoid overuse in technical contexts where precise terminology is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fireball

A more concise synonym focusing on a spherical mass of fire.

sphere of fire

A more literal description emphasizing the shape and element.

burst of fire

Focuses on the sudden release of fire.

sheet of flame

Describes a wider, less concentrated area of fire.

pillar of fire

Emphasizes the vertical, rising aspect of the flames.

wall of fire

Describes a continuous, impassable barrier of flames.

explosion of fire

Highlights the explosive nature of the event.

inferno

A more intense, all-consuming fire.

conflagration

Describes a large, destructive fire.

blaze

A general term for a large or intense fire.

FAQs

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

You can use "ball of flame" to vividly describe a sudden and intense burst of fire. For example, "The explosion erupted in a massive "ball of flame", lighting up the night sky."

What are some alternatives to "ball of flame"?

Alternatives include "fireball", "sphere of fire", or "burst of fire", depending on the specific context and the aspect you wish to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "ball of flame" in formal writing?

While "ball of flame" is acceptable in news reports and descriptive narratives, it might be too informal for highly technical or scientific contexts. Consider more precise terminology like "combustion event" or "thermal radiation" in those cases.

What imagery does "ball of flame" evoke?

The phrase "ball of flame" typically evokes imagery of a sudden, intense, and spherical burst of fire, often associated with explosions, accidents, or other dramatic events. It emphasizes the visual impact and intensity of the fire.