difficult to extinguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to extinguish" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is hard to put out or get rid of. Here are a few examples: - The fire was difficult to extinguish, even with the help of multiple fire trucks. - The rumors about her past were difficult to extinguish, despite her efforts to keep them from spreading. - The athlete's determination and drive were difficult to extinguish, even after facing multiple failures. - The desire to help others was a flame that was difficult to extinguish in her heart.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

As with all alkali metals, lithium fires are difficult to extinguish, requiring dry powder fire extinguishers (Class D type).

Wikipedia

This makes them incredibly difficult to extinguish.

The Guardian

Such fuels, ordinarily slow to kindle, are difficult to extinguish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said then that it would be difficult to extinguish.

The New York Times

Cooking oil fires in kitchens are difficult to extinguish as they are easy to re-ignite.

International Journal of Hospitality Management

Kyle Ohashi, said on Wednesday that the battery pack proved difficult to extinguish.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But true love can be hard to extinguish.

The New York Times

"So the fire had a large amount of area to consume and it was a very difficult fire to extinguish".

The New York Times

A stripped-down fire truck costs $130,000, but 75% of Oshkosh's customers order extras like hideaway stairs, ladders, special doors, compartments, and firefighting foam systems for those difficult-to-extinguish fires.

Forbes

Mr Keelan said there were four different areas of fire embedded within peat, which is "extremely difficult" for crews to extinguish.

BBC

But just because it's difficult, we can not give up the will to extinguish its lethal flame.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like rumors or emotions, use "difficult to extinguish" to emphasize the persistent and challenging nature of suppressing them.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to extinguish" when a simpler term like "hard to stop" or "difficult to end" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the persistence and resistance are key aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to extinguish" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically describing something that is resistant to being stopped or eliminated. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to extinguish" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that resists being stopped or eliminated. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its appropriateness for a wide range of writing styles, though particularly in formal and neutral registers. When using the phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of persistence and resistance. While alternatives like "hard to put out" or "challenging to suppress" may be suitable substitutes, "difficult to extinguish" carries a unique weight, emphasizing the effort and tenacity required for cessation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to put out

Focuses on the physical act of stopping a fire or flame.

not readily extinguished

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the lack of ease.

challenging to suppress

Emphasizes the effort required to keep something under control.

tough to eradicate

Highlights the difficulty in completely removing something.

tenacious in burning

Specifically related to fires, suggesting a persistent burning quality.

not easily quelled

Suggests that something is resistant to being calmed or subdued.

resistant to elimination

Focuses on the object's inherent properties that make it hard to get rid of.

stubborn to eliminate

Implies a strong resistance to being removed or stopped.

formidable to stop

Highlights the imposing nature of the challenge in halting something.

impenetrable to removal

Stresses the idea of being unable to be taken away or eliminated.

FAQs

What does "difficult to extinguish" mean?

The phrase "difficult to extinguish" means something is hard to put out, stop, or eliminate. It implies a strong resistance to being overcome.

How can I use "difficult to extinguish" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe literal fires (e.g., "The peat fire was difficult to extinguish") or abstract concepts (e.g., "The rumors were difficult to extinguish").

What are some alternatives to "difficult to extinguish"?

Alternatives include "hard to put out", "challenging to suppress", or "tough to eradicate", depending on the context.

Is "difficult to extinguish" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it appears more frequently in news and scientific writing than in casual conversation.