flames broke out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flames broke out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the sudden onset of a fire or combustion in a specific location or situation. Example: "As the fire alarm rang, flames broke out in the kitchen, forcing everyone to evacuate the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He said there had been two or more space heaters in the basement, where the flames broke out shortly before 5 a.m.

The New York Times

UGANDA: INVESTIGATING CULT DEATHS -- Several hundred members of a doomsday cult who died in a fire in a church last month were still alive when the flames broke out, forensic tests show.

The New York Times

Passing witnesses saw a lightning bolt flash down in a thunderstorm, heard it strike on a rooftop and spotted the first plumes of smoke as the flames broke out shortly after 3 p.m. at the Paradise Mattress Company, a two-story red-brick building at 1209 DeKalb Avenue, between Bushwick and Evergreen Avenues in Bushwick.

The New York Times

For them, "survivor's guilt" is another challenge they could not have imagined before the flames broke out.

Los Angeles Times

Flames broke out on a patch of the ship, but only after the sky had been cloudless and the ship had remained stationary for around ten minutes.

Wikipedia

Those efforts came to a tragic end Monday evening, when flames broke out inside the building in what would become the city's deadliest structure fire this year.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And it has comic-book flames breaking out across its lower face.

The New York Times - Style

From fire camps like this one, the main operations have been focused far from the flames, by trying to safeguard houses from danger and to make sure that no new flames break out in areas where the fires have already burned.

The New York Times

Water-carrying aircraft that doused flames when fire broke out there a week ago were sent elsewhere after officials decided the outbreak had been brought under control, only to find it was rekindled by winds and high temperatures, said regional official Nancy Melo.

The Guardian

The 114-year-old building was saved from the flames after a fire broke out at the nearby Victoria's nightclub in Sauchiehall Street.

BBC

"Leadership is not fanning the flames of intolerance and then acting all surprised when the fire breaks out.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flames broke out" to describe the moment a fire starts, especially when emphasizing the suddenness or unexpected nature of the event. For example, "Flames broke out in the warehouse, quickly engulfing the entire structure."

Common error

Avoid using "flames break out" as a general statement. Use "flames broke out" to describe a specific past event. For example, instead of saying "flames break out easily in dry conditions", specify "flames broke out yesterday due to dry conditions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flames broke out" functions as a declarative statement describing the commencement of a fire. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show its use in news reports and descriptive narratives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flames broke out" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned expression used to denote the sudden beginning of a fire, as supported by Ludwig AI. While common in news and media, it also appears in wiki content. To achieve clarity in writing, use this phrase to describe the moment a fire begins. Alternatives like "fire ignited" or "fire erupted" can also be used. Remember to use the past tense "broke" when referring to a specific event in the past. The context analysis shows that it is mostly used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fire ignited

Focuses on the start of a fire using a more formal verb.

fire erupted

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful beginning of a fire.

the blaze erupted

Similar to "fire erupted" but uses 'blaze' for a larger fire.

blaze started

Uses a more common term for a large fire.

a fire began

A simple and direct way to state the start of a fire.

fire burst forth

Emphasizes a sudden and powerful outbreak of fire.

fire commenced

A more formal way to describe the beginning of a fire.

fire sparked

Implies a small initial cause that led to a larger fire.

a conflagration ignited

Uses a more dramatic term, 'conflagration', for a large and destructive fire.

combustion initiated

A technical term for the start of burning.

FAQs

How can I use "flames broke out" in a sentence?

Use "flames broke out" to describe the sudden commencement of a fire. For example, "Flames broke out in the kitchen while they were cooking."

What are some alternatives to "flames broke out"?

Alternatives include "fire ignited", "fire erupted", or "blaze started", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "flames break out" instead of "flames broke out"?

No, "flames break out" is incorrect when describing a past event. The correct past tense is "flames broke out". Use "break" only when describing a general tendency (e.g., "fires break out easily in dry conditions").

What's the difference between "fire broke out" and "flames broke out"?

Both phrases are similar, but "fire broke out" is a more general statement about the start of a fire, while "flames broke out" specifically emphasizes the appearance and manifestation of the flames themselves.