burning hot

USAGE SUMMARY

"burning hot" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe an intense heat, for example: "The sun was burning hot on my face as I walked across the desert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

By June it was burning hot.

The New York Times

Compared to central body temperature (37C), that's not burning hot.

The Guardian - Tech

He's burning hot against her cold, clammy skin.

The New Yorker

The sand is burning hot!" "The sandy ripples tickle my toes".

The New York Times - Books

Don't waste your youth,   like a fire burning hot;   Bravely shoulder   The people's aspirations.

The New York Times

The phone lines of teams in the N.F.L. will be burning hot.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Pining for all that had once seemed unremarkable, he returned home "a burning hot-headed patriot".

The New York Times - Books

Time has stood still for months, with days and nights fusing together in the burning-hot air of the desert.

The New Yorker

(Literally a firebrand: he allegedly once held a burning-hot palette knife against the bare skin of an underling).

The Guardian - Opinion

As well as scarring from burning-hot stones or pestles, women report problems with breastfeeding and a loss of confidence.

The Guardian

Every time he took a left bend, his right shin was rammed against a burning-hot tube on the frame near the exhaust.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burning hot" to describe physical sensations, temperatures, or metaphorical intensities (like "a burning hot debate").

Common error

Avoid using "burning hot" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers, where more precise or technical language might be appropriate. Instead, opt for terms like "extremely high temperature" or "intense heat".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burning hot" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective, modifying nouns to indicate an exceptionally high temperature or a similar sensation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and understandable. For example, "The sand is burning hot!"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burning hot" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjectival phrase that effectively conveys intense heat or a similar sensation. As Ludwig AI points out, its versatility allows it to be used in various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in more informal settings. While it might not be suitable for strictly formal or technical writing, its descriptive power makes it a valuable addition to everyday language. Related phrases like "scorching hot" or "extremely hot" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas with slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scorching hot

Emphasizes a more intense, searing heat compared to "burning hot".

extremely hot

A general term indicating a very high temperature; less evocative than "burning hot".

blazing hot

Suggests a fiery, intense heat, often associated with flames or the sun.

fiery hot

Similar to blazing hot, emphasizing a heat reminiscent of fire.

intensely hot

Highlights the intensity of the heat, focusing on the sensation.

scalding hot

Specifically refers to a heat capable of causing burns, usually associated with liquids.

sizzling hot

Suggests a heat that causes a sizzling sound, often related to cooking or surfaces.

red hot

Implies a heat so intense that it causes a red glow, usually associated with metal.

oven hot

Specific heat found in the oven.

white hot

Suggests a heat even more extreme than red hot, causing a white glow.

FAQs

How can I use "burning hot" in a sentence?

You can use "burning hot" to describe something with an extremely high temperature. For example, "The sand on the beach was "burning hot"."

What can I say instead of "burning hot"?

You can use alternatives like "scorching hot", "extremely hot", or "blazing hot" depending on the context.

Is "burning hot" formal or informal?

"Burning hot" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversation or descriptive writing. More formal contexts may require more precise or technical alternatives.

What is the difference between ""burning hot"" and "red hot"?

"Burning hot" describes a very high temperature, while "red hot" specifically refers to something that is so hot it is glowing red, typically metal.