inferno

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'inferno' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, uncontrolled fire that causes widespread destruction and danger. Example: The entire city was engulfed in an inferno, with flames reaching high into the night sky and smoke billowing for miles. Firefighters and rescue teams worked tirelessly to contain the inferno and evacuate people to safety.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The inferno, for all its horrendous destruction, has also provided an opportunity.

The Guardian - Arts

They figured Mumbai's date with the inferno could come as early as 2034 if there was no change in global carbon output.

The Guardian

Your happy home will become an inferno of tantrums and broken crockery.

The Economist

Then José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, added that Scotland would find it almost impossible to join the EU.In this section Putin's inferno How to make the world $600 billion poorer A man needs a mandate Plucking the goose The tragedy of the high seas Pounded into submission ReprintsMr Salmond has responded with a mixture of bluster, denial, obfuscation and crude threat.

The Economist

Data from the Scottish Social Attitudes survey published on August 11th showed that 61% of Scots agreed that same-sex couples should be able to marry; only 19% disagreed.In this section The fire this time The BlackBerry riots Under fire Tartan hitch Raiders of the lost archive After the inferno ReprintsMr Mason protests that he is not anti-gay and is "perfectly relaxed" about same-sex marriages.

The Economist

Upton Sinclair dwelt on "the inferno of exploitation" in Chicago's meat packing industry in "The Jungle" (1906).

The Economist

Throw in that of Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan, and you have the makings of a regional pandemic affecting nearly a quarter of the world.Fortunately, no country is condemned to follow Africa into an AIDS inferno.

The Economist

In mid-July the regulator announced that the station's licence would not be renewed when it expires at the end of this month.In this section Dinosaurs on the prowl again The price of re-election The purge of the shock jocks After the inferno Pinochet's tarnished coin Correction: Jorge Uribe ReprintsThat decision has stirred concerns across the country that free speech is in peril.

The Economist

The only promotion that went as planned was that of General Isik Kosaner, a traditionalist who will succeed General Basbug.In this section Into the inferno Part of the main No jobs for the boys Reset and unsettled No boatloads but still trouble ReprintsAK supporters hail the outcome as a victory for democracy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Voters are unlikely to damn him permanently for remaining in Tuscany until the urban infernos forced him home.

The New York Times

It will also strengthen capital buffers in anticipation of periods of stress.In this section Wall Street's annus horribilis A nudge in the wrong direction Save yourselves Locked away Ivory-towering infernos A stimulating question ReprintsThe second reason is that the leverage ratio will exclude the two banks' domestic lending activities from the calculation of capital.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inferno" when you want to convey a sense of intense heat, destruction, and chaos, whether literally or metaphorically. It's stronger than "fire" or "blaze".

Common error

Avoid using "inferno" to describe minor fires or situations that lack significant intensity or danger. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The noun "inferno" primarily functions as a descriptor for a large and destructive fire, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correctly used in this sense, as shown in the provided examples from news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "inferno" is a commonly used noun to describe a large, uncontrolled, and destructive fire or a situation analogous to hell. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts to evoke strong imagery of chaos and devastation. While its primary function is descriptive, its use extends metaphorically to depict intense and chaotic non-fire situations, but should be used judiciously to avoid overuse. Alternatives include "conflagration" and "firestorm", depending on the specific nuance desired. Top authoritative sources include The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firestorm

Describes a fire that creates its own wind system, increasing its intensity and spread.

conflagration

A large destructive fire, similar to "inferno" but emphasizes the scale and destructiveness.

raging fire

Highlights the uncontrolled and violent nature of the fire.

holocaust

Implies widespread destruction and loss of life, often associated with historical events.

destructive blaze

Focuses on the damaging effects of a large fire.

blaze

A simpler term for a large fire, lacking the intensity and connotations of "inferno".

wildfire

Specifically refers to an uncontrolled fire in a natural environment.

hellfire

Emphasizes the intense heat and suffering associated with hell, often used metaphorically.

fiery furnace

Evokes a sense of intense heat and confinement.

cataclysm

Refers to a sudden and violent event causing great destruction and change.

FAQs

How to use "inferno" in a sentence?

You can use "inferno" to describe a large, uncontrolled fire or a situation resembling hell. For instance, "The forest fire turned into an inferno" or "The political debate became an inferno of accusations".

What can I say instead of "inferno"?

You can use alternatives like "conflagration", "firestorm", or "holocaust" depending on the context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "inferno" metaphorically?

"Inferno" can be used metaphorically to describe situations characterized by intense chaos, conflict, or suffering. For example, "The courtroom was an inferno of legal arguments".

What is the difference between "inferno" and "fire"?

"Inferno" suggests a much larger, more destructive, and often uncontrolled fire compared to a simple "fire". "Inferno" implies a sense of hellish intensity and widespread devastation.