gutted by fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gutted by fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a building or structure that has been severely damaged or destroyed by a fire. Example: "The old warehouse was completely gutted by fire, leaving only charred remains behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several buildings had been gutted by fire.

The Economist

Most houses have been gutted by fire.

The Economist

One part was gutted by fire.

The Guardian - Arts

The interior, gutted by fire in 1966, has been restored.

Britannica

The buildings have either collapsed or been gutted by fire.

The Guardian - Travel

Chancellor House was gutted by fire and fell into ruin.

The Guardian

They passed a supermarket that had been gutted by fire.

The Guardian

Several other vehicles are strewn about the site, warped and gutted by fire.

The Guardian

One home in Watford was recently gutted by fire after a cannabis factory inside caught fire.

The Guardian

When she returned this morning, she found the house gutted by fire.

The New York Times

Half the city was gutted by fire, including the great church of Hagia Sophia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gutted by fire" to vividly describe the extensive damage to a structure, emphasizing the interior's destruction. This is more impactful than simply saying "damaged by fire".

Common error

While "gutted by fire" is effective, overuse can sound repetitive. In formal reports, vary your descriptions with phrases like "completely destroyed by fire" or "severely damaged by flames" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gutted by fire" functions as a descriptive passive construction. It indicates that a subject (usually a building or structure) has undergone the action of being completely destroyed or severely damaged by fire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gutted by fire" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe the extensive damage caused by fire. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys the severity of destruction. While alternatives like "destroyed by fire" or "consumed by flames" exist, "gutted by fire" offers a vivid and impactful way to depict the aftermath of a fire incident. Understanding its usage and appropriate contexts can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destroyed by flames

Focuses on the destructive power of flames as the primary agent.

consumed by flames

Emphasizes the complete consumption of the structure by the fire.

burned to the ground

Highlights the complete annihilation of the structure, leaving only ground-level remains.

razed by fire

Implies a leveling effect, suggesting that the fire has completely destroyed the structure.

devastated by fire

Emphasizes the severe damage and the emotional impact of the fire.

obliterated by flames

Highlights the total destruction, leaving almost nothing behind.

incinerated by fire

Focuses on the complete burning and reduction to ashes.

left in ashes by the fire

Highlights the resulting state, with a stronger emphasis on the aftermath.

reduced to rubble by fire

Emphasizes the disintegration of the structure into debris.

charred beyond recognition

Focuses on the resulting state of the structure being unidentifiable due to burning.

FAQs

How do I use "gutted by fire" in a sentence?

You can use "gutted by fire" to describe a building or structure that has been severely damaged or destroyed by fire. For example, "The historic building was completely "gutted by fire", leaving only the exterior walls standing."

What can I say instead of "gutted by fire"?

You can use alternatives such as "destroyed by fire", "consumed by flames", or "burned to the ground" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "gutted from fire" instead of "gutted by fire"?

While "gutted from fire" might seem logical, ""gutted by fire"" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing. "By" indicates the agent or cause of the action, while "from" typically indicates origin or source.

What does it mean when a building is described as "gutted"?

When a building is "gutted", it means that the interior has been severely damaged or completely destroyed, often by fire. The structure might still be standing, but the inside is largely empty or ruined. "Gutted by fire" is the most frequent cause.