sheets of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheets of flame" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to create a vivid description of a scene, as in the example sentence "The sky was illuminated by sheets of flame as the fireworks lit up the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Sheets of Flame in the Bank.

The New York Times

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

"Great for roasting nuts," he wrote, beside a video clip of two models holding the black and white guns that spurted sheets of flame.

The Times

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

Yokohama, the city of almost half a million souls, had become a vast plain of fire, of red, devouring sheets of flame which played and flickered.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And it went up in a sheet of flame.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

In ten minutes the whole mass of ruins has become one sheet of flame.

The New York Times

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheets of flame" to create a vivid image of a large, intense fire. Consider using it in both literal and figurative contexts to enhance the emotional impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "sheets of flame" in technical reports or scientific writing where precise, objective language is required. Opt for more neutral and descriptive terms like "extensive fire" or "rapid combustion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheets of flame" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It vividly depicts a large, intense fire. Ludwig's examples illustrate its descriptive capacity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

26%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sheets of flame" is a noun phrase that vividly describes a large, intense fire, functioning primarily to create a strong visual image and evoke a sense of danger. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not overly formal, its imagery is powerful and frequently used in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases such as "walls of fire" or "inferno", exist, the original phrase remains a potent descriptor for both literal and metaphorical fires.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blazing inferno

Adds the adjective "blazing" to intensify the meaning of "inferno".

walls of fire

Replaces "sheets" with "walls", emphasizing the height and breadth of the fire.

towering flames

Emphasizes the height and dominance of the fire.

firestorm

Suggests a turbulent and intensely destructive fire.

inferno

Uses a single word to convey the idea of a large, uncontrolled fire.

engulfing fire

Emphasizes the way the fire completely surrounds and consumes something.

raging flames

Focuses on the uncontrolled and powerful nature of the flames.

vast blaze

Highlights the extensive size of the fire.

intense conflagration

Uses more formal language to describe a large and destructive fire.

outbreak of fire

Emphasizes the sudden and rapid spread of fire.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheets of flame" to describe a large, intense fire. For instance: "The explosion sent "sheets of flame" erupting into the night sky."

What phrases are similar to "sheets of flame"?

Similar phrases include "walls of fire", "inferno", or "firestorm". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "sheets of flame" a formal or informal expression?

"Sheets of flame" is generally considered a descriptive and somewhat dramatic phrase, suitable for narrative writing and less formal contexts. In technical or scientific writing, more precise terminology is preferred.

Can "sheets of flame" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "sheets of flame" can be used metaphorically to describe intense emotions or situations. For example: "His anger erupted in "sheets of flame", consuming everything in its path."