flash of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flash of flame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and brief appearance of fire or light, often in a dramatic or vivid context. Example: "As the fireworks exploded in the night sky, a flash of flame illuminated the faces of the spectators below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Passengers described a loud bang and a flash of flame.

The Guardian - Business

"As I reached for the pump, I saw a flash of flame," he said.

The New York Times

Examples of occult properties that are obviously valid but cannot be explained by reason include the power of the magnet to attract iron, or the ability of the stomach to transform food into flesh and blood, or the well-attested power of the Phoenix to regenerate itself in a flash of flame.

SEP

This powder ignites, making a flash of flame which travels into the touch hole and ignites the main charge.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In the evening, back on our terrace (on the site, so the hotel claims, of Emperor Augustus's villa) we looked again across the vast bay of Naples at Vesuvius, and read back the words of Pliny the Younger, who witnessed the eruption from just such a spot: "A black and terrible cloud, rent by snaking bursts of fire, gaped open in huge flashes of flames; like lightning, but more extensive.

The Guardian - Travel

The situation was so bad during her gunnery trials in October 1908 that the captain of, the Royal Navy's gunnery school described their operation thusly: "When the order was given to train the turret, elevate or run a gun in or out, it was only necessary to push a button, or move a switch, but the result was often a flash of blue flame which seemed to fill the turret".

Wikipedia

"Pollock" is a scrunched, unhappy movie; it finds contentment only in wordlessness, or in the passing flash of a flame-red overcoat or a painted stoop.

The New Yorker

Video of Thursday afternoon's explosion posted online showed plumes of smoke from the manholes and a flash of golden flames.

Los Angeles Times

The match caused a flash of fire at the Gaseteria station at 3804 Boston Road, but Mr. Galvan put out the flame with an extinguisher, the police said.

The New York Times

Conqueror's commanding officer, Commander Chris Wreford-Brown, called out from the periscope that he could see flashes of orange flame.

The Guardian

The process really is mesmerizing, brilliant flashes of crimson flame and drippy gobs of glass.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flash of flame" to create a vivid image of sudden, intense fire or light, especially in descriptive or narrative writing. Consider the context; it's suitable for dramatic scenes, technical descriptions, or metaphorical usage.

Common error

Avoid using "flash of flame" when a steady, sustained fire is meant. This phrase emphasizes a momentary burst, not a continuous burn.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash of flame" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing a sudden, brief appearance of fire. This usage is evident in examples describing explosions or engine failures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flash of flame" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe a sudden and brief appearance of fire or light. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, especially for creating vivid imagery. While relatively rare, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and descriptive writing. Remember to use it to convey a momentary burst rather than a sustained fire. Alternative phrases like "burst of flame" or "flare of flame" may offer nuanced meanings depending on the specific context. Be mindful of not using this phrase to define permanent flames and always refer to an instantaneous combustion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burst of flame

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful expulsion of flame.

flare of flame

Highlights the brief and intense brightening of a flame.

glimpse of fire

Focuses on the fleeting nature of seeing fire.

sudden ignition

Shifts the focus to the act of something catching fire quickly.

brief conflagration

Uses a more formal term for a fire, emphasizing its short duration.

fleeting blaze

Highlights both the quickness and intensity of the fire.

spark of fire

Reduces the scale to a single spark that represents fire.

quick combustion

Focuses on the chemical process of burning rapidly.

instantaneous inferno

Emphasizes the immediate and intense nature of a fire.

brief burst of heat

Shifts the focus from the visible flame to the sensation of heat.

FAQs

How can I use "flash of flame" in a sentence?

You can use "flash of flame" to describe a sudden burst of fire or light. For example, "The explosion created a sudden "flash of flame" that lit up the night sky."

What are some alternatives to "flash of flame"?

Some alternatives include "burst of flame", "flare of flame", or "glimpse of fire". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "flash of fire" instead of "flash of flame"?

While "flash of flame" is more common, "flash of fire" is also acceptable. However, "flash of flame" more specifically denotes the visible manifestation of fire as opposed to the general concept of fire itself.

What is the difference between "flash of flame" and "flash of light"?

"Flash of flame" specifically refers to a sudden burst of fire, while "flash of light" refers to a sudden burst of any kind of light. The key difference is the source and nature of the burst.