enveloped in flames

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enveloped in flames" is correct and usable in written English.
One example sentence would be: "The ancient castle was enveloped in flames as it slowly crumbled to the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The men held out a longer time, enveloped in flames.

The New Yorker

Most of them remained in the houses trying to save the goods and were suddenly enveloped in flames.

The New York Times

The U.S. [will] be enveloped in flames... and the arrogant empire of a devil will breathe its last".

The New York Times

Veteran police Superintendent Jim Keogh said there was no hope for the driver, who was enveloped in flames.

The Guardian

The 20-foot by 40-foot one-story structure was enveloped in flames by the time firefighters arrived, Mr. Lacerenza said.

The New York Times

At first, a bit of smoke, and then the entire tent, as if soaked in gasoline, is enveloped in flames, producing a rapidly pluming black cloud that jolts the audience backward.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A bustling 78th-floor elevator sky lobby, a bank office on the 80th and 81st floors, an 84th-story trading floor, all in an instant streaked by shrapnel and enveloped in flame.

The New York Times

Reed's limbs have become like putty, Johnny's body is now enveloped in flame, and Ben is covered with a rock-like sheath.

Huffington Post

Still, photos show the city enveloped in a gray haze.

The Washington Post

I-95 was shut down from Mims to New Smyrna Beach as four houses near Mims became enveloped in the flames.

The New York Times

For 19 years, Peruvian restaurant Intiraymi has occupied a corner spot on this mall, its principal marker a sign that bears a plastic chicken enveloped in plastic flame and an improvised wall of mesquite wood that stands before the front door.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "enveloped in flames" to vividly depict a scene where something is completely surrounded and consumed by fire, emphasizing the intensity and danger of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "enveloped in flames" metaphorically when a simpler, more direct expression would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and create a melodramatic tone where it's not needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enveloped in flames" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to vividly illustrate that something is completely surrounded and consumed by fire. Ludwig's examples show its usage across different contexts, from literal descriptions of burning structures to more figurative scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "enveloped in flames" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it effectively paints a picture of something being completely surrounded and consumed by fire. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this descriptive adjective phrase serves to create a strong visual image of destruction and intensity. Use it judiciously to avoid melodrama, and consider alternatives like "consumed by fire" or "engulfed in fire" for different nuances. The phrase's strength lies in its vivid imagery, making it a powerful tool for descriptive writing when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumed by fire

Focuses on the destructive aspect of the fire, emphasizing complete consumption.

engulfed in fire

Highlights the encompassing nature of the fire, suggesting a rapid and complete takeover.

swallowed by flames

Emphasizes the consuming nature of the fire, as if the flames are actively devouring something.

wrapped in flames

Suggests a close and constricting embrace by the flames.

surrounded by fire

Emphasizes the physical encirclement by the fire.

ablaze with fire

Draws attention to the visual spectacle of the fire, emphasizing its intensity and brightness.

burning fiercely

Shifts the focus to the intensity and vigor of the burning process, rather than the encompassing aspect.

on fire

A more direct and simpler way of saying that something is burning.

in a conflagration

Uses a more formal term for a large and destructive fire.

ringed by fire

Implies a circular formation of fire around something.

FAQs

How can I use "enveloped in flames" in a sentence?

You can use "enveloped in flames" to describe something completely surrounded by fire, such as "The building was "enveloped in flames" after the explosion".

What are some alternatives to "enveloped in flames"?

Alternatives include "consumed by fire", "engulfed in fire", or "surrounded by fire", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "enveloped by flames" instead of "enveloped in flames"?

While "enveloped by flames" is grammatically correct, "enveloped in flames" is the more common and idiomatic expression. Therefore, "enveloped in flames" is often preferred for its natural sound and established usage.

What imagery does "enveloped in flames" evoke?

"Enveloped in flames" typically evokes a strong image of destruction, danger, and intense heat, suggesting that something is completely overcome and consumed by fire.