extinguish the flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extinguish the flame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to putting out a fire or metaphorically ending something, such as a passion or conflict. Example: "The firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flame before it spread to nearby homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Scuffles broke out as the organised units of campaigners broke through the police and security cordons in a bid to snatch or even extinguish the flame.

Independent

You fill the bottle with an unscented fuel, add the wick and burner, light the lamp and let it burn for two minutes, then extinguish the flame.

The New York Times - Food

One "pro-Tibet independence" activist tried to grab the torch and another attempted to extinguish the flame when well-known U.K. television presenter Konnie Huq was carrying the torch in northwest London.

The Economist

Snuffer, metal implement used to extinguish the flame of a candle, generally in a form of a scissors (to snuff the flame and cut off the wick) or a hollow cone at the end of a long handle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The motors were running and the limo door was open as Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee, prepared to extinguish the flame in the Olympic stadium Sunday night.

The New York Times - Sports

9 P.M. (Fox) HELL'S KITCHEN Time to extinguish the flame: Rock Harper, a 30-year-old executive chef from Spotsylvania, Va., above with Bonnie Muirhead, a 26-year-old nanny and personal chef from Los Angeles, compete for the head honcho position at the Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa near Las Vegas in this third-season finale.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He later doused the device with water to extinguish the flames.

Independent

The police officers and firefighters who arrived to extinguish the flames came under gunfire.

The New York Times

Moroccan authorities nearby quickly doused the men to extinguish the flames, leaving them with severe burns.

The New York Times

State petroleum company workers and firefighters were trying to extinguish the flames.

The New York Times

Residents noticed and tried to extinguish the flames; but the footage shows the car burned out in the morning.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extinguish the flame" when you want to convey a formal or slightly elevated tone, suitable for writing about abstract concepts like passion or hope, as well as literal fires.

Common error

Avoid using "extinguish the flame" in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "put out the fire" are more appropriate for everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extinguish the flame" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "extinguish" acts as a transitive verb taking "the flame" as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and provides examples of its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extinguish the flame" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as a verb phrase, used to describe putting out a fire, both literally and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral to formal tone. While acceptable, it's advisable to consider the context and audience when choosing between "extinguish the flame" and simpler alternatives like "put out the fire", to ensure the tone is appropriate. As such, be mindful to use a more appropriate register when talking to an informal audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put out the flame

Replaces "extinguish" with a more common synonym, reducing formality.

snuff out the flame

Uses a different verb to convey a more abrupt or forceful action of stopping the flame.

douse the flame

Emphasizes using liquid to stop the flame.

quench the flame

Offers a slightly more poetic or figurative alternative.

smother the flame

Highlights depriving the flame of oxygen.

put an end to the flame

Adds a more emphatic and conclusive tone, suggesting the flame is being stopped permanently.

eliminate the flame

Focuses on complete removal or eradication of the flame.

suppress the flame

Implies holding back or preventing the flame from continuing.

kill the flame

Uses a stark and direct verb, making the action sound decisive.

stop the flame

Offers a simpler and more straightforward alternative to describe the action.

FAQs

How can I use "extinguish the flame" in a sentence?

You can use "extinguish the flame" to describe the act of putting out a literal fire, as in "Firefighters worked to "extinguish the flame"". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "His harsh words threatened to "extinguish the flame" of their love".

What's a good alternative to "extinguish the flame" in casual conversation?

In less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "put out the fire" or "snuff out the flame". These are simpler and more commonly used in everyday speech.

What is the difference between "extinguish the flame" and "put out the fire"?

"Extinguish the flame" is often used in more formal or metaphorical contexts, while "put out the fire" is a more direct and common expression suitable for everyday use. The choice depends on the tone and formality of your writing or speech.

Is it correct to say "eliminate the flame" instead of "extinguish the flame"?

While "eliminate the flame" is grammatically correct, it is not as commonly used as ""extinguish the flame"". "Eliminate" focuses on complete removal, which might not always be the intended meaning. It works best when emphasizing the removal of something completely, rather than just stopping it from burning.