burst of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burst of flame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and intense appearance of fire, often in a dramatic or vivid context. Example: "As the fireworks exploded in the night sky, a burst of flame illuminated the entire park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

From time to time there would be a burst of flame.

The Guardian - Books

They were delighted when one of the city's gas-storage tanks went up in a tremendous burst of flame.

The New Yorker

There were shouts, and an astonishing burst of flame in the night, in the direction of the Weidel house.

The New Yorker

A tremendous burst of flame came back at him from the day room, where some of the gas tanks were.

The New Yorker

While the enemies in both games die spectacularly, the games themselves do not end in a burst of flame or a spurt of blood.

The New York Times - Tech

A gas main exploded in a residential neighborhood in Philadelphia, killing a gas company employee, injuring six people and sending a burst of flame into the air, officials said Wednesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

I was driving along Houston Street when I saw a burst of flames from the second plane hitting.

The New York Times

If Kenyon Martin's game is like a burst of flames, then Jason Kidd supplies the steady infrared heat for the Nets.

The New York Times - Sports

As I approached the gas station near Beacon Hill I noticed a burst of flames and by the time my vehicle approached the gas station it was gone.

The Guardian

The footage shows that the landing was very close — the rocket appears to have landed perfectly, but slightly off balance, until it starts tipping over and then explodes in a huge burst of flames.

Independent

I was going about three miles an hour, and instead of crashing and burning in a burst of flames, I just put my feet down and kind of walked the motorcycle where I wanted it to go.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burst of flame" to vividly describe a sudden, intense ignition or flare-up, especially when emphasizing visual impact or dramatic effect.

Common error

Avoid using "burst of flame" in highly technical or scientific writing where a more precise term like "rapid combustion" or "ignition event" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "burst of flame" is that of a noun phrase, often functioning as the subject or object in a sentence. It vividly describes a sudden and intense ignition or flare-up, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burst of flame" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively describes a sudden and intense appearance of fire. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is commonly found in News & Media, encyclopedias, and science-related contexts, indicating a neutral to descriptive register. When writing, consider using it to vividly depict sudden ignitions or flare-ups while avoiding overly technical contexts where more precise terminology might be preferred. Alternatives include "sudden blaze" and "flash of fire". Remember, the best use of "burst of flame" is in scenarios where a dramatic visual effect is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden blaze

Replaces "burst" with "sudden" and "flame" with "blaze", focusing on the suddenness and intensity of the fire.

flash of fire

Replaces "burst" with "flash" and "flame" with "fire", emphasizing the brief and intense nature of the fire.

outbreak of fire

Replaces "burst" with "outbreak", highlighting the sudden start of a fire.

eruption of flame

Replaces "burst" with "eruption", suggesting a forceful and sudden release of flame.

flare-up of fire

Emphasizes a sudden increase in the intensity of an existing fire, rather than a new ignition.

jet of flame

Focuses on the shape and direction of the flame, implying a stream or spout.

sudden ignition

Highlights the act of something catching fire suddenly.

intense conflagration

Uses more formal language to describe a large and destructive fire.

rapid combustion

Focuses on the chemical process of burning quickly.

fiery explosion

Describes the flame as part of an explosive event.

FAQs

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

You can use "burst of flame" to describe a sudden and intense appearance of fire. For example, "A sudden "burst of flame" erupted from the engine."

What's a more formal way to say "burst of flame"?

In a more formal context, consider using "rapid combustion" or "ignition event".

What can I say instead of "burst of flame" to describe something less intense?

If you want to describe something less intense, you could use "flicker of light" or "small fire" depending on the context.

Is "burst of flames" grammatically correct?

While "burst of flame" is more common, "burst of flames" is also acceptable, especially if referring to multiple instances or sources of flame.