consumed by flames

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consumed by flames" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that has been completely destroyed or engulfed by fire. An example: "The old barn was consumed by flames before the firefighters could arrive." Alternative expressions include "engulfed in flames" and "devoured by fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Independent

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Everything is being consumed by flames.

Independent

A piggery was also consumed by flames, killing more than 2,000 sows.

The Guardian

In the video for Can't Feel My Face, Weeknd ends up being consumed by flames.

The Guardian - Music

Nearly all inside were consumed by flames that burned so intensely most rescue efforts proved futile.

The Guardian

Giddy with love, the ballerina recklessly opens the windows and is blown headlong into the fireplace and consumed by flames.

The New York Times - Arts

Another includes Moses's burning bush: it burned but was not consumed by flames, evoking the same divine paradox by which Mary conceived a child yet remained a virgin.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Kathryn Pogson as Agave, Pentheus's bacchic mother, lasciviously kisses her son's severed head, and there's a tremendous scene, filmed by Scott Radnor, when a TV reporter seems to be consumed by flame as she reports on the bacchae's desert dances.

The Guardian

The Pillar of Fire Church, destroyed when the jet slammed into it and exploded, and the corner building with the grocery store and the Chinese laundry, consumed by flame, have been replaced by condominiums that more or less fit in with the brownstone row houses.

The New York Times

Slowly, their bodies were passing into night". Alone, Saihung fulfills his duty and watches the bodies consumed by flame.

Los Angeles Times

We see it consumed by the flames.

The Guardian - Film

We have a choice, to fight the terrorists or to face being consumed by the flames again," he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "consumed by flames", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject was completely destroyed or severely damaged by fire. It conveys a sense of totality and irreversible damage.

Common error

Avoid using "consumed by flames" in situations where the destruction is not literal. Overusing it in metaphorical contexts can weaken its impact when describing actual fire-related incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consumed by flames" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state of being acted upon by fire. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing the destruction of objects, buildings, and even living beings by fire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

12%

Independent

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "consumed by flames" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe complete or near-complete destruction by fire. Ludwig's analysis highlights its prevalence in news and media contexts, where it conveys a sense of devastation and finality. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for general descriptive purposes. While metaphoric use is possible, it's most impactful when describing literal fire-related events. Ludwig AI confirms that "consumed by flames" is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engulfed in fire

Focuses on the encompassing nature of the fire.

destroyed by fire

Highlights the destructive outcome of the fire.

burned to ashes

Emphasizes the complete reduction of something to ash.

ablaze and destroyed

Combines the visual of being on fire with the result of destruction.

incinerated completely

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the burning process.

reduced to cinders

Similar to burned to ashes, focusing on the remnants.

devastated by inferno

Uses 'inferno' to amplify the scale and intensity of the fire.

obliterated by blaze

Highlights the complete removal or destruction by a large fire.

charred beyond recognition

Focuses on the severe burning and distortion of appearance.

overtaken by wildfire

Specifically relates to destruction caused by a large, uncontrolled fire in nature.

FAQs

What does "consumed by flames" mean?

The phrase "consumed by flames" describes something that has been completely destroyed or engulfed by fire.

How can I use "consumed by flames" in a sentence?

You can use "consumed by flames" to describe anything from buildings and vehicles to forests and even people being destroyed in a fire. For example: "The house was "engulfed in fire" and soon "destroyed by fire"".

What are some alternatives to "consumed by flames"?

Alternatives include "engulfed in fire", "destroyed by fire", or "burned to ashes". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "consumed by flames" metaphorically?

While it can be used metaphorically, it is often more effective when used to describe a literal fire. Overuse in metaphorical contexts can diminish its impact when describing actual fire-related events.