sheet of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheet of flame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, flat area of fire, often in a dramatic or vivid context. Example: "The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the building in a terrifying sheet of flame."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

And it went up in a sheet of flame.

The New Yorker

"I turned round to see Miss Tipping a sheet of flame," said Calthrop.

The Guardian - Film

They had seen a collision, a sheet of flame, and a slow burning on the water.

The New Yorker

"The map didn't burn, it simply vansihed in a sheet of flame".

The Guardian

Fredericksburg!" as they mowed down Gen. George Pickett's gray with their own avenging "sheet of flame".

The New York Times

Once the fabric catches fire, it becomes a sheet of flame that can easily overwhelm the fire-suppression properties of treated foam.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"When that came in there was a sheet of flames," remembers Hosking.

The Guardian

Photographer Sean Hansford filed a stunning picture of a riot cop standing next to a sheet of flames and we had the front-page image.

The Guardian

Transitions between clips are sheets of flame and blinding flashes.

The Guardian

Their show is of course madly over the top, including hair-raisingly dangerous pyrotechnic displays and huge sheets of flame.

The Guardian - Film

Trudging through streets where sheets of flame were still shooting up 100ft, we came to the door of a communal shelter, which took all afternoon to prise open.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheet of flame" to vividly describe a fire that spreads rapidly and covers a large area, creating a dramatic visual effect. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the overwhelming or destructive nature of the fire.

Common error

Avoid using "sheet of flame" in technical or scientific writing where a more precise description of the fire's properties (temperature, chemical composition, etc.) is required. Opt for more factual and less figurative language in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheet of flame" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a descriptive element, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence, painting a vivid picture of intense fire. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sheet of flame" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that evokes a powerful image of widespread fire. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best employed for descriptive purposes, particularly when aiming for dramatic effect. Alternatives such as "wall of fire" or "inferno" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance desired. When writing, reserve "sheet of flame" for situations that warrant vivid imagery, avoiding overuse in technical contexts where precise descriptions are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wall of fire

Emphasizes the verticality and intensity of the fire, like a barrier.

blanket of fire

Focuses on the fire covering a wide area, like a protective layer.

curtain of fire

Suggests a descending or hanging fire, like stage curtain.

inferno

A more general term for a large and uncontrolled fire.

raging firestorm

Conveys the chaotic and destructive nature of an intense fire.

fire front

Highlights the advancing edge of a wildfire.

conflagration

A formal and literary term for a large destructive fire.

blaze

A general term for a large or fiercely burning fire.

sea of fire

Evokes a vast, undulating expanse of flames.

outbreak of fire

Highlights the sudden start and spread of the fire.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheet of flame" to describe a large, intense fire. For example, "The explosion engulfed the building in a terrifying sheet of flame."

What's a good alternative to "sheet of flame"?

Alternatives include "wall of fire", "blanket of fire", or "inferno", depending on the specific imagery you want to convey.

Is "sheet of flame" a literal or figurative expression?

"Sheet of flame" is typically used figuratively to emphasize the size and intensity of a fire, creating a vivid image of a widespread blaze.

What does "sheet of flame" imply about the fire's behavior?

It suggests that the fire is spreading quickly and uniformly, covering a large area in a continuous, flat expanse of flames.