fire spread out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fire spread out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the way in which a fire expands or extends over an area. Example: "The fire spread out rapidly, engulfing the dry brush and trees in its path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

From Gammeltorv, the fire spread out to Ulfeldts Plads, now Gråbrødretorv, around 4 p.m.

Wikipedia

The fire spread out of control as hundreds of firefighters tried and failed to pump water up a malfunctioning standpipe, instead flooding the basement, the Fire Department said.

The New York Times

The day the Carr fire spread out of control was 26 July, the same day thermometers in nearby Redding hit 45C (113F).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In 2015, the fires spread out of control.

The New York Times - Magazine

Since we can't make a fire, we spread out on the sand and watch the stars and talk.

Huffington Post

Firing squads spread out across East Pakistan, sometimes assisted by local collaborators from Islamist groups that had been humiliated in the elections.

The New Yorker

It was part of a network of SF or "starfish" bunkers, named after the wartime code for "secret fires". Lights, spread out on the ground, simulated the outline of a town or industrial complex, tricking the bomber crews into targeting what was in reality an empty site.

BBC

Teams of five people grab hold of a 50-foot fire hose and spread out across the trail.

The New York Times

The poachers opened fire with AK-47s, but the rangers, who had been trained in small-unit tactics, were able to spread out, fire back, and eventually take the camp.

The New Yorker

One morning, I drove up to the top of "antenna hill" and stared out over the camp's thousands of air-conditioned trailers, its power plants, water plant, concrete-barrier factory, fire stations and chow halls spread out like strip malls on the dusty plain below.

The New York Times

The researchers found that fire ants dumped into water quickly spread out into pancake-like rafts as the insects crawl over each other and grip their fellow ants' legs with claws or jaws, forming interweaving patterns similar to a waterproof fabric.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing wildfires, use "fire spread out" to effectively convey the geographical expansion of the fire, especially when detailing its impact on different areas.

Common error

Avoid using "fire spread out" in very basic scenarios where simpler terms like "fire spread" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where emphasizing the outward direction and scope of the fire's expansion is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fire spread out" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing the action of a fire expanding or extending across an area. This usage is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase is used to depict the geographical progression of a fire.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fire spread out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the expansion of a fire across an area. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While generally neutral in register, its specific tone can depend on the source and writing style. When writing, ensure that emphasizing the directional spread is intended. The provided examples, along with related phrases like "fire expanded", provide useful alternatives for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fire expanded

Focuses on the increase in size or scope of the fire, rather than the direction.

fire extended

Similar to expanded, but can also imply reaching a certain point or limit.

fire advanced

Implies forward movement and progression of the fire.

fire diffused

Suggests a gradual and less concentrated expansion of the fire.

fire propagated

Suggests a more scientific or technical description of how fire moves.

fire proliferated

Emphasizes the rapid increase and multiplication of the fire.

fire disseminated

Emphasizes the widespread distribution of the fire across an area.

fire radiated

Highlights the outward emission of heat and flames from the fire's source.

fire blazed

Focuses on the intensity of the fire and its visual prominence during spreading.

fire raged

Describes the fire as burning fiercely and uncontrollably while it spreads.

FAQs

What does "fire spread out" mean?

The phrase "fire spread out" describes the way a fire expands or extends over an area, moving from its origin point to cover more ground.

What can I say instead of "fire spread out"?

You can use alternatives like "fire expanded", "fire advanced", or "fire diffused" depending on the specific context.

How is "fire spread out" different from "fire spread"?

"Fire spread out" emphasizes the directional and spatial expansion of the fire, while "fire spread" is a more general term that simply indicates the fire's movement or progression.

Is it correct to say "the fire is spreading out"?

Yes, "the fire is spreading out" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe an ongoing expansion of a fire. This aligns with what Ludwig AI shows about the acceptability of this phrase.