fire escape

USAGE SUMMARY

'fire escape' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to stairways or platforms that provide an emergency route out of a building during a fire. For example, "Please make sure everyone knows where the fire escape is located."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Or the fire escape.

The New York Times

Adik swiftly disappeared up the fire escape.

The New Yorker

He ran to the fire escape.

The New York Times

Pigeons on your fire escape?

The New York Times - Style

Shimmy down the fire escape.

The Guardian - Film

In "Fire Escape II," she arranged four children on the vertical structure of a fire escape.

The New York Times

I wouldn't poo on a fire escape.

The Guardian

("From the Fire Escape," by SerenityRose).

The New Yorker

Is it an early fire escape?

The New York Times

Hang the wash on the fire escape?

The New York Times

"A fire escape is a fire escape, and a brick building is a brick building.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing building safety features, use the term "fire escape" to clearly indicate an emergency exit route specifically designed for fire-related evacuations. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fire escape" interchangeably with general emergency exits. A "fire escape" specifically refers to an exterior emergency exit, often involving stairs or ladders. Not all emergency exits are fire escapes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fire escape" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a specific type of emergency exit from a building, typically an exterior staircase or ladder. Ludwig highlights its use in contexts relating to building safety and emergency preparedness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fire escape" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to an emergency exit, typically found on the exterior of buildings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, reflecting its relevance in discussions of safety and emergency preparedness. While technically precise, the term maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing about building safety, using "fire escape" ensures clarity, though it's important not to confuse it with general emergency exits. Remembering these insights from Ludwig can help improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emergency exit

Focuses on the general concept of an exit for emergencies, not specifically related to fires or building exteriors.

fire stairs

A shorter and more direct term for the staircase component of a fire escape.

emergency staircase

Highlights the staircase aspect of a fire escape, useful when emphasizing the vertical route.

escape route

A general term for any route designed for escape, applicable in various emergency situations.

building evacuation route

Emphasizes the purpose of the fire escape as part of a larger evacuation plan.

external staircase

Focuses on the structural aspect of a staircase located on the outside of the building.

secondary egress

A more formal term referring to a secondary or alternative exit from a building.

emergency ladder

Stresses the emergency function of a ladder on the outside of a building.

safety ladder

Highlights the ladder component, useful when the fire escape primarily consists of a ladder.

outdoor escape

Refers to an escape that is outdoors in the open air, not necessarily for fires.

FAQs

How can I use "fire escape" in a sentence?

You can use "fire escape" to describe a building's emergency exit. For example: "The tenants were instructed to use the "fire escape" during a fire drill."

What is another way to say "fire escape"?

Alternatives to "fire escape" include "emergency exit", "fire stairs", or "emergency staircase" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to store items on a fire escape?

No, it is generally not correct or safe to store items on a "fire escape". Fire escapes should be kept clear for emergency use. Blocking a "fire escape" can be dangerous and may violate fire safety regulations.

What is the purpose of a fire escape?

The primary purpose of a "fire escape" is to provide a safe and accessible route for building occupants to evacuate in the event of a fire or other emergency. It serves as a critical safety feature to ensure people can exit the building quickly and safely.