student asking question

What is the difference between “flame” and “fire”?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Great question. The two are actually related as a "fire" can be made up "flames". Generally, when we see "flames" it is because something is on "fire". However, a candle would be considered to be a "flame" and not a "fire" as it is singular. A "ball of flame" sounds more dramatic than just "on fire" and I think that's why it is used here. Ex: The flames of the fire were red hot. Ex: Blow out the flame of the candle.

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