extinguishing candle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extinguishing candle" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing the action of putting out a candle's flame. For example, "She was extinguishing the candle before leaving the room." Alternative expressions include "putting out the candle" and "snuffing the candle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now a subterranean wall separating the necropolis from the city of the living has collapsed, and an effluvium of putrefaction is penetrating the dwellings around the cemetery, extinguishing candles, tainting food and even precipitating "moral disturbances, particularly among the young".

The New York Times - Books

But it wasn't offered, so at 10 p.m. on a balmy Saturday night, we asked for coffee as the cleanup crew worked busily all around us, extinguishing candles, swabbing tables and generally packing it in.

The New York Times

All purpose, all desire seemed destined to come to no end, and even if some trace of our existence lived on after death through our impacts on others, the long line of deaths following our own, like a trail of extinguishing candles, meant that even the most indelible mark one could write on the collective human psyche would remain ephemeral.

Huffington Post

Smoke from extinguished candles hung in the lamp glow.

The New York Times - Style

The rain and wind extinguished candles that had been lit in the boy's memory.

The New York Times

Mystical, twisting light reaches into the sky from the extinguished candles behind the pulpit.

Vice

Beyond fruits and flowers, other common vanitas imagery included insects, skulls, hourglasses, extinguished candles, and empty chalices.

Vice

Their versatility has been praised, with some dogs willing to "[be] a house-dog, a gun-dog, a rat-dog, a badger-dog, or, if needed, [to] bolt a fox... ...... Their courage has been compared to a bulldog's, and some dogs have extinguished candles at the request of their owner.

Wikipedia

Extinguish candles (preferably with a candle snuffer) when finished and center and close the circle.

WikiHow

Extinguish candles if nobody is present to keep an eye on them.

WikiHow

Obviously, be alert for hazards and close windows and doors, extinguish candles, and that sort of thing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the act of stopping a candle from burning, consider the context. While "extinguishing candle" is grammatically correct, variations like "putting out the candle" might sound more natural in everyday conversation.

Common error

Avoid consistently using formal terms like "extinguishing" in casual contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives such as "putting out" to maintain a natural tone and avoid sounding overly stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extinguishing candle" functions primarily as a gerund phrase acting as a noun modifier. It describes the action of putting out a candle, often within a larger context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage based on the available examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extinguishing candle" is a grammatically correct phrase, though less common in everyday speech than alternatives like "putting out a candle". Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It functions as a noun modifier, describing the action of stopping a candle from burning. While suitable for various contexts, simpler phrases might be preferred in casual conversations. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing between "extinguishing candle" and its alternatives. Sources like The New York Times and WikiHow show its usage across news, general knowledge, and instructional content. The phrase has a neutral to formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting out a candle

Focuses on the action of stopping the candle's burning, similar in meaning but uses a phrasal verb.

putting the candle out

Similar to "putting out a candle" but changes the word order.

extinguishing the flame of a candle

More descriptive and emphasizes the flame being stopped.

snuffing out a candle

Emphasizes a more deliberate and often quicker method of extinguishing, typically with a snuffer.

quenching a candle's flame

A more poetic or figurative way to describe extinguishing a candle.

smothering a candle's flame

Involves depriving the flame of oxygen, often by covering it.

dousing a candle

Implies quickly extinguishing the candle, often with liquid.

stifling a candle's light

Suggests suppressing or preventing the candle from illuminating.

blowing out a candle

Refers to extinguishing a candle by blowing air onto the flame.

terminating a candle's burn

A formal or technical way to describe ending the burning process of a candle.

FAQs

What is the most common way to say "extinguishing candle"?

While "extinguishing candle" is correct, phrases like "putting out a candle" or "blowing out a candle" are more commonly used in everyday speech.

Is it better to say "extinguishing candle" or "extinguishing the candle"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "extinguishing the candle" is generally preferred when referring to a specific candle. "Extinguishing candle" works well in a more general sense.

What are some formal alternatives to "extinguishing candle"?

Formal alternatives include "snuffing out a candle" or "dousing a candle", depending on the method used to stop the candle's burning.

How can I use "extinguishing candle" in a sentence?

You can use "extinguishing candle" as part of a longer phrase, such as "The ritual involved "extinguishing candle" after candle until only one remained lit."