major conflagration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major conflagration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large and destructive fire, often in the context of wildfires or significant urban fires. Example: "The firefighters worked tirelessly to control the major conflagration that threatened the entire neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Yet both remain in a constant state of on-off conflict, always appearing on the verge of another major conflagration.

The Guardian

"That happens in very small ways and happens in very large ways when you have a major conflagration in the world.

The New York Times - Arts

These fires often reach the proportions of a major conflagration and are sometimes begun by combustion and heat from surface and ground fires.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some Israeli politicians have warned that a major conflagration would divert world attention from what Israel considers the existential threat of a nuclear Iran.

The New York Times

A major conflagration at this specific location resulted in the consolidation of parts of the roof construction materials, thus enabling us to differentiate between roof, walls and floor materials.

Journal of Archaeological Science

The Woolsey fire, which broke out on 8 November, is the 10th major conflagration in the hills above Malibu since an inferno in 1956 that was so intense it became a model for studying the likely effects of nuclear firestorms.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"And we did O.K. We avoided major conflagrations, there were no $1 billion lawsuits, and no compromise in the journalism we were doing at our magazines".

The New York Times

It reliably provides cool analysis of major conflagrations within days of them breaking out - such as with the 22-day war in Gaza.

The Guardian - Opinion

Studying fire marks in giant sequoias, Thomas W. Swetnam and co-workers have discovered that major conflagrations sweeping across many mountain ranges in California and the Southwest were a long a common feature, occurring at least twice a decade and apparently linked to oceanic currents much farther south, the so-called La Nina events that often result in droughts.

The New York Times

Wildfires have always been a part of living in the hotter, dryer parts of California, but the fires have been worse in the past year, with major conflagrations breaking out in the Napa Valley and Anaheim.

Vice

However, he claimed that tensions over the EU would cause a "major political conflagration" within the Conservative party and suggested the Brexit-supporting Fox would be the first to walk out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major conflagration", ensure the context clearly indicates the destructive nature of the fire being described.

Common error

Avoid using "major conflagration" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "big fire" are more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major conflagration" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It vividly describes a large and destructive fire, often emphasizing its scale and impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major conflagration" is a noun phrase used to describe a large and destructive fire event. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news reports, encyclopedias, and scientific articles, indicating a neutral to formal register. While it effectively conveys the scale and intensity of a fire, it's best reserved for formal contexts and replaced with simpler terms in casual settings. Alternatives such as "large-scale fire" or "extensive blaze" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large-scale fire

Focuses on the size and extent of the fire.

extensive blaze

Highlights the broad reach and intensity of the fire.

significant firestorm

Emphasizes the uncontrollable and destructive nature of the fire.

widespread inferno

Implies a large and intensely hot fire.

major fire outbreak

Focuses on the sudden start and rapid spread of the fire.

large destructive fire

Highlights both the size and the damage caused by the fire.

catastrophic fire

Emphasizes the disastrous consequences of the fire.

massive fire

Simple synonym focusing on the fire's size.

devastating fire

Emphasizes the destructive impact of the fire.

severe fire event

Describes the fire as a serious occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "major conflagration" in a sentence?

You can use "major conflagration" to describe significant fire events, such as "The firefighters battled a "major conflagration" that threatened to engulf the town".

What are some alternatives to "major conflagration"?

Alternatives include "large-scale fire", "extensive blaze", or "significant firestorm" depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "major conflagration" a formal or informal term?

"Major conflagration" is a more formal term, suitable for news reporting, academic writing, or official documentation. In casual conversation, simpler terms are generally preferred.

What distinguishes "major conflagration" from a regular "fire"?

The term "major conflagration" implies a fire of significant scale, intensity, and destructiveness, far exceeding a typical fire in its impact and scope. It suggests a large and uncontrollable blaze.