burned down

USAGE SUMMARY

"burned down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a phrasal verb that means to destroy or damage something by fire. For example, "The old barn on the farm had burned down years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My house burned down".

The New Yorker

"Villages are being burned down".

The New York Times

Plus, he burned down his house.

The New York Times

The whole operation burned down in 1939.

The New York Times - Travel

"Things were burned down," Thurner mumbled sheepishly.

The New Yorker

The Malba marina burned down around 1988.

The New York Times

A Marlboro burned down in an ashtray.

The New York Times

The castle was burned down in 1746.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His house just burned down".

The New York Times

The house burned down in 1925.

The New York Times

The mall almost burned down in 2016.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "burned down", ensure the subject is a structure or object capable of being destroyed by fire. For example, "The house burned down" is correct, while "The idea burned down" is metaphorical and requires careful context.

Common error

Avoid using "burned down" with abstract or intangible subjects. It is more appropriate to say "The project failed" rather than "The project burned down", unless you are using metaphorical language intentionally.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "burned down" primarily functions as a predicate, indicating the action of destruction by fire. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe the state of something after it has been consumed by flames. Ludwig examples show its application in describing destroyed houses, buildings, and even entire villages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burned down" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the destruction of a structure or object by fire. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in encyclopedias and wiki sources. While the register is generally neutral, the phrase evokes a sense of loss or devastation. When using "burned down", it's essential to ensure the subject is something that can be physically destroyed by fire and that abstract subjects are avoided unless employing metaphorical language. Related phrases include "destroyed by fire" and "razed to the ground".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destroyed by fire

This alternative is a more descriptive and literal way of saying something was destroyed by fire.

consumed by flames

This alternative evokes a more vivid and intense image of the fire's destructive power.

razed to the ground

This phrase emphasizes the completeness of the destruction, suggesting nothing was left standing.

reduced to ashes

This alternative focuses on the end result of the fire, highlighting the complete annihilation of the structure.

gutted by fire

This emphasizes that the inside was completely destroyed. It implies that only the outer shell may remain.

went up in flames

This phrase provides a more dramatic and figurative way to describe something being destroyed by fire.

incinerated

This is a more formal and technical term for burning something completely.

charred

This alternative suggests that something was partially burned, rather than completely destroyed.

set ablaze and ruined

This alternative emphasizes that the item or place was intentionally set on fire, causing its destruction.

destroyed completely

A more general expression, focusing on the completeness of the destruction, regardless of the cause.

FAQs

What does "burned down" mean?

"Burned down" is a phrasal verb that means to be destroyed or severely damaged by fire.

How can I use "burned down" in a sentence?

You can use "burned down" to describe a building or object that has been destroyed by fire. For example, "The old warehouse "destroyed by fire" after the lightning strike".

What are some synonyms for "burned down"?

Some synonyms for "burned down" include "razed to the ground", "consumed by flames", or "gutted by fire".

Is it correct to say "burnt down" instead of "burned down"?

Both "burned down" and "burnt down" are acceptable as the past tense of "burn down", but "burned down" is more common in American English. Consider "destroyed by fire" for avoiding confusion.