eruption of fire

USAGE SUMMARY

"eruption of fire" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sudden and intense release of flames, often in the context of volcanic activity or a fire outbreak. An example could be: "The eruption of fire from the volcano illuminated the night sky." Alternative expressions include "burst of flames" and "outbreak of fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The explosion ripped through Building A5 on a Friday evening last May, an eruption of fire and noise that twisted metal pipes as if they were discarded straws.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Witnesses described eruptions of fire that shattered the windows of takeout restaurants, blew apart cafes and sent people flying.

The New York Times

However, the plot also contains elements which are far from warm or sunny: murder, insanity, a macabre coffin-opening scene featuring the corpses of a mother and her baby, life-threatening elemental eruptions of fire and thunderstorm, numerous violent animal deaths, and sexual symbolism so brazen that it can only have been intended to cock a snook at Victorian prudery.

The Guardian - Books

But the Butterfly-shaped Luna stage with its decorative eruptions of fire, launched from behind its hallucinatory structure would be home to what was perhaps Envision's most moving moment.

Vice

The band's stagecraft has grown only bigger and louder, with eruptions of fire and smoke, and members standing like comic book heroes in two-tone makeup and "uniforms" of armor and shades of silver and black, singing anthems of rocking out and getting the girl — and then getting another.

Los Angeles Times

To prevent burns and the eruption of a fire, allow the burner to cool prior to working near the area or setting anything else on or around the burner.

WikiHow

Titus' reign began with months of disasters – including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, a fire in Rome, and an outbreak of plague – he inaugurated the completion of the structure with lavish games that lasted for more than one hundred days, perhaps partially in an attempt to appease the Roman public and the gods.

Wikipedia

Its volcanoes do not have the explosive oomph of some eruptions in the "ring of fire" around the Pacific, such as those of Tambora and Krakatoa in the 19th century, let alone the prehistoric eruptions of Taupo, in New Zealand, and Toba, in Indonesia, which were large enough to have severe, if short-lived, effects on the global climate (see chart).

The Economist

While in Ecuador, they managed to capture on film the eruption of the Tungurahua ("throat of fire") volcano in Baños.

The Guardian

In this role he is best known for his public building program in Rome, and completing the construction of the Colosseum in 80, but also for his generosity in relieving the suffering caused by two disasters, the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79, and the fire of Rome of 80. Titus continued his father's efforts to promote the Flavian dynasty.

Wikipedia

At the regional scale, the use of fix-wings is more appropriate and allows the coverage of large areas over short period of time, for the survey of volcanic eruption, fire evolution.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "eruption of fire", ensure the context aligns with a sudden, forceful, and visually striking display of flames, akin to a volcanic eruption or a sudden explosion. This phrase adds dramatic flair and imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "eruption of fire" to describe ordinary fires or situations where the imagery is disproportionate to the event. This can diminish the phrase's impact and appear melodramatic. Consider alternatives like "outbreak of fire" or "burst of flames" for less intense scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eruption of fire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It vividly describes a sudden and intense burst of flames. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eruption of fire" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sudden, intense, and visually striking release of flames. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. It's most effective when the intent is to convey a sense of drama and intensity. While versatile, avoid overusing it in mundane scenarios where its vivid imagery would be disproportionate. Consider alternatives such as "outbreak of fire" or "burst of flames" for less dramatic situations. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, reflecting its capacity to capture attention and convey impactful imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outbreak of fire

Focuses on the sudden start of a fire, rather than the intensity of its release.

burst of flames

Emphasizes the sudden and rapid appearance of flames.

flare-up of fire

Suggests a temporary increase in the intensity of a pre-existing fire.

explosion of flames

Implies a forceful and sudden release of fire, often associated with a blast.

ignition of fire

Highlights the commencement of burning, the start of a fire.

inferno

Refers to a large and uncontrolled fire, emphasizing its destructiveness.

conflagration

Describes a large, destructive fire, often used in a more formal context.

blaze

A general term for a large and intensely burning fire.

firestorm

Suggests a large and intensely burning fire that creates its own wind system.

wildfire

Refers specifically to an uncontrolled fire in a natural environment, like a forest.

FAQs

What does "eruption of fire" mean?

The phrase "eruption of fire" describes a sudden and intense burst of flames, often suggesting a forceful release or a visually dramatic display, similar to a volcanic eruption.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "eruption of fire"?

It's most appropriate when describing events involving a large, sudden release of flames, such as a volcanic event, a significant explosion, or a dramatic fire outbreak. Using it adds emphasis and vivid imagery.

What are some alternatives to "eruption of fire"?

You could use alternatives like "outbreak of fire", "burst of flames", or "flare-up of fire", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

How does "eruption of fire" differ from a simple "fire"?

"Eruption of fire" implies a sudden, forceful, and visually spectacular release of flames, while a simple "fire" is a more general term for combustion producing heat and light. The "eruption" suggests a dramatic event.