control the fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "control the fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to managing or extinguishing a fire, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "The firefighters worked tirelessly to control the fire before it spread to nearby homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Frigid weather complicated efforts to control the fire.

The New York Times

Officials said the wind and cold made it difficult to control the fire.

The New York Times

investigation found that soldiers fired 80 shots of live ammunition and neglected to "control the fire".

The New York Times - Magazine

Those that are still having problems can phone Amazon technical support and have them remotely control the Fire TV.

The Guardian - Tech

Emergency officials flew here today from Washington to help control the fire and to plan relief efforts.

The New York Times

Flames and thick smoke billowed from the bridge as firefighters worked to control the fire, which was extinguished around 5.30pm.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Indonesia has repeatedly faced calls from its neighbours to control the fires.

Independent

This shows that Magneto can remotely control the firing of neurons deep within the brain, and also control complex behaviours.

The Guardian

For many years, engineers and scientists have been experimenting with a variety of ways to extinguish or control the fires.

The New York Times - Science

State Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who represents the area, said he and City Councilman Simcha Felder would call on the community to find a better way to control the fires.

The New York Times

It even seems possible to control the firing of individual brain cells.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about fire incidents, use "control the fire" to indicate efforts to manage or stop it. Be specific about the methods used, such as "firefighters worked to control the fire with water and foam".

Common error

Avoid using "control the fire" when complete extinguishment is achieved. Use "extinguish the fire" to denote that the fire is completely put out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control the fire" primarily functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It describes the act of managing or restraining a fire. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "control the fire" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of managing or stopping a fire. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various writing contexts. Its primary function is to communicate actions taken to limit damage or extinguish a fire. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific sources, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, consider whether the fire is merely being managed or completely extinguished, and select the more appropriate term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring the fire under control

Rephrases the original query with a slightly different structure.

get the fire under control

Similar meaning, but implies the process of achieving control.

extinguish the fire

Focuses specifically on putting out the fire, rather than just managing it.

suppress the flames

Highlights the act of reducing the intensity of the fire.

contain the blaze

Emphasizes keeping the fire within a specific area.

curb the fire

Indicates limiting or restraining the fire's spread or intensity.

manage the wildfire

More specific context, focusing on managing a fire in a natural environment.

fight the inferno

Implies a more intense and challenging fire situation.

quell the fire

A more formal and less common way to say 'put out the fire'.

tame the flames

Uses a metaphorical approach to suggest bringing the fire under control.

FAQs

How can I use "control the fire" in a sentence?

You can use "control the fire" to describe efforts to manage or stop a fire from spreading, such as "Firefighters worked tirelessly to control the fire before it reached nearby homes".

What is a synonym for "control the fire"?

Alternatives include "extinguish the fire", "contain the blaze", or "suppress the flames" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "control the fire" or "extinguish the fire"?

"Control the fire" implies managing or limiting the fire, while "extinguish the fire" means completely putting it out. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the outcome.

What does it mean to "control the fire regime"?

In ecological contexts, "control the fire regime" refers to managing fire patterns and frequencies in an ecosystem to promote its health and resilience, often by implementing prescribed burns and other fire-smart strategies.