flash of fire

USAGE SUMMARY

"flash of fire" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sudden burst or appearance of flames or light, often in a dramatic or vivid context. For example: "A flash of fire illuminated the darkened room." Alternative expressions include "burst of flames," "flare of fire," and "glimpse of fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

There was a real flash of fire and comedy.

The Guardian

Her eyes are dark as ebony, with a flash of fire in them.

The Guardian - Books

But then, just as I'm going, a flash of fire behind the glasses.

The Guardian - Film

Suddenly, there was a flash of fire that left his face badly burned.

The New York Times

"When both packages were opened there was a reaction — a reaction that caused a flash of fire, a brief flash of fire, smoke and a smell" like sulfur, said Greg Shipley, a Maryland State Police spokesman.

The New York Times

A little boy turns toward his father in a field and then both are vaporized in a flash of fire.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"There were flashes of fire," another woman said.

The New York Times

Susan Gritton was agile in the coloratura flashes of Fire but a little thin as the Princess.

The New York Times - Arts

Witnesses told Xinhua of seeing "flashes of fire" and also of hearing "sporadic gunshots" after the explosions.

The New York Times - Sports

The few flashes of fire came when Mr. Szot unleashed the full power of his rich, commanding baritone.

The New York Times - Arts

From above, the scene resembled a war zone: pillars of smoke, flashes of fire and vast expanses of charred remains.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flash of fire" to create a vivid and impactful image, especially when describing accidents, explosions, or moments of sudden conflict in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "flash of fire" excessively in metaphorical contexts (e.g., describing anger or passion) if it weakens the imagery. Ensure it aligns with the tone and style of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash of fire" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show its descriptive use in news and literature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flash of fire" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to depict a sudden burst of flame or light. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's often employed in descriptive and narrative contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best used when a vivid, sensory image is desired. Alternatives like "burst of flame" or "flare of fire" can offer similar impact with slightly different nuances. Avoid overuse in purely metaphorical scenarios to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burst of flame

Replaces "flash" with "burst", emphasizing a sudden and forceful eruption of fire.

flare of fire

Substitutes "flash" with "flare", suggesting a brief, intense burst of fire.

sudden blaze

Replaces the entire phrase with a shorter, more direct description of an abrupt fire.

ignition of flame

Focuses on the act of something catching fire, rather than the visual effect.

brief inferno

Highlights the intensity of the fire, though for a short duration.

gleam of fire

Suggests a softer, less intense light than a "flash", implying a distant or reflected fire.

spark of fire

Refers to a small, initial burst of fire, rather than a larger, more established flame.

momentary conflagration

Emphasizes the brief but destructive nature of the fire.

rush of flame

Emphasizes the quick and uncontrolled movement of fire.

wildfire's start

Focuses on the initial stage of a wildfire.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "flash of fire" in a sentence?

Use "flash of fire" to vividly describe sudden, intense bursts of flame or light, such as in describing an explosion or a dramatic scene. For example, "The explosion erupted in a "flash of fire", illuminating the night sky."

What are some alternatives to using "flash of fire"?

You can use alternatives such as "burst of flame", "flare of fire", or "sudden blaze" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "flash of fire" appropriate for formal writing?

While "flash of fire" is grammatically correct, its dramatic imagery might be more suited for descriptive or narrative writing. In formal or technical contexts, consider more precise or literal descriptions depending on the intent.

What's the difference between "flash of fire" and "flashes of fire"?

"Flash of fire" refers to a single, sudden burst of fire. "Flashes of fire", however, indicates multiple, repeated bursts. For example, "There were "flashes of fire" during the fireworks display."