ball of flames

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ball of flames" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, round mass of fire or to convey a vivid image of something burning intensely. Example: "The firework exploded in the sky, creating a spectacular ball of flames that lit up the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

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

"It was a ball of flames that was high or higher than the apartments.

The Guardian

Wei recalled what happened that day, two months ago, when her aunt became a ball of flames.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ball of flames" when you want to vividly describe a sudden, intense burst of fire, particularly in narrative or descriptive writing. It's more impactful than simply saying "fire".

Common error

Avoid using "ball of flames" in technical or scientific reports where precision is key. Opt for more specific terms like "combustion" or "deflagration" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ball of flames" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It vividly describes a large, spherical mass of fire. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ball of flames" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively describes a large, spherical mass of fire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and descriptive writing. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in technical writing, where more precise terminology may be required. Consider alternatives like "fireball" or "sphere of fire" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its widespread usage in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fireball

A more concise term referring to a ball of fire, often used in scientific contexts.

sphere of fire

A more formal and descriptive alternative, emphasizing the shape and element of fire.

mass of flames

Focuses on the quantity of fire rather than a specific shape.

burst of fire

Emphasizes the sudden and explosive nature of the fire.

inferno

Refers to a large and uncontrolled fire, implying a more extensive scale.

conflagration

A formal term for a large and destructive fire.

blaze

A general term for a large or intense fire.

sheet of fire

Describes a wide, flat expanse of fire.

pillar of fire

Suggests a tall, upright column of fire.

explosion of fire

Highlights the explosive force creating the fire.

FAQs

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

You can use "ball of flames" to describe a literal burst of fire, such as "The explosion sent a "ball of flames" into the sky", or metaphorically, such as "His career went down in a "ball of flames"".

What's a good alternative to "ball of flames"?

Depending on the context, you could use "fireball", "sphere of fire", or "burst of fire" as alternatives to "ball of flames".

Is "ball of flames" an idiom?

While "ball of flames" is often used in descriptive writing, it's not typically considered a standard idiom. It's more of a vivid, literal image that can be used metaphorically.

Is it correct to say "ball of flame" instead of "ball of flames"?

Yes, "ball of flame" ("ball of flame") is also correct. It suggests a singular, distinct instance of a ball of fire, while "ball of flames" might imply multiple or a more general concept of fiery spheres.