small fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fire that is not large or intense, often in contexts related to safety, cooking, or outdoor activities. Example: "The campers managed to start a small fire to keep warm during the chilly night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We had a small fire in the kitchen wall.

The New York Times

(Zinoman 20101209 'A Small Fire' Previews start on Thursday.

The New York Times

It was a small fire at first, 200 acres.

The New York Times

"We had a small fire a couple of weeks ago.

The New Yorker

During inspections she always kept a small fire burning.

The Guardian - Books

"There had been a small fire located within the kitchen.

The Guardian

The explosion caused a small fire, which was put out by firefighters.

The New York Times

They were cold and gathered under a rock and lighted a small fire to warm themselves.

The New York Times

Loads of sand and small fire extinguishers are on hand to snuff out any fires.

The New York Times

A small fire broke out in a waste pile near plant incinerators, the company said.

The New York Times

It was a small fire, Mr. Henckels said, probably from a power surge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event involving a fire, use "small fire" to convey that the situation is not severe or widespread. This can help reassure readers or listeners.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic language when describing a "small fire". Exaggerating the situation can cause unnecessary alarm and misrepresent the true scale of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small fire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" is an adjective modifying the noun "fire". The phrase acts as a subject or object within a sentence, describing a fire of limited size or intensity, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small fire" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a fire of limited size or intensity. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, and its purpose is generally to inform or describe a situation while emphasizing the limited scale of the fire. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's crucial to avoid exaggerating the situation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and widely used in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor blaze

Refers to a fire that is not significant in size or impact, similar to "small fire".

little flame

Emphasizes the small size and gentle nature of the fire.

flickering fire

Highlights the unsteady or wavering nature of a small fire.

contained fire

Suggests that the fire is limited in scope and under control.

controlled burn

Implies that the fire is intentionally set and managed for a specific purpose.

incipient fire

Describes a fire that is just beginning to develop.

modest fire

Emphasizes the limited scale and intensity of the fire.

pocket of fire

Describes a small, isolated area of combustion.

miniature inferno

Uses figurative language to describe a small fire with a hint of irony or exaggeration.

manageable fire

Focuses on the ease with which the fire can be handled or extinguished.

FAQs

How to use "small fire" in a sentence?

You can use "small fire" to describe a fire that is limited in size or intensity. For example, "The campers built a "small fire" to roast marshmallows" or "Firefighters quickly extinguished a "small fire" in the kitchen."

What can I say instead of "small fire"?

You can use alternatives like "minor blaze", "little flame", or "flickering fire" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "small fire" the same as "tiny fire"?

While both ""small fire"" and "tiny fire" describe a fire of limited size, "tiny fire" suggests an even smaller scale. The best choice depends on the degree of diminutiveness you wish to emphasize.

What are the typical causes of a "small fire"?

A ""small fire"" can be caused by various factors, including electrical malfunctions, unattended candles, cooking accidents, or improperly discarded smoking materials. The scale of the fire often depends on the availability of fuel and the speed of intervention.