flame was extinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flame was extinguished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of putting out a fire or metaphorically to indicate the end of something, such as a passion or enthusiasm. Example: "After hours of battling the blaze, the firefighters finally confirmed that the flame was extinguished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The flame was extinguished on Monday.

The New York Times

The reality check came after the Olympic flame was extinguished.

The New York Times - Sports

– the Olympic flame was extinguished by rioters last Wednesday.

The Guardian - Sport

The Olympic flame was extinguished several times, and the final leg of the procession was canceled because of security concerns.

The New York Times

Video footage of the demonstration suggests the flame was extinguished while the runner carrying the torch had to be bussed to safety.

The Guardian - Sport

Archivists now say most key records about the Games' internal workings were destroyed under the supervision of a staffer shortly after the flame was extinguished at Olympic Cauldron Park, after Romney had returned to Massachusetts".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The flame is extinguished.

The New York Times - Magazine

But what will happen once the flame is extinguished in Vancouver?

The New York Times - Sports

The raised dialogue in drugs may not go away when the Olympic flame is extinguished in two weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

Pence said the Trump administration wants the warming of relations with North Korea to end when the Olympic flame is extinguished.

The Washington Post

When the Paralympic flame is extinguished and the final anthem of their encore fades, the world will seem a more mundane, monochromatic place.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flame was extinguished" when you want to convey the complete cessation of a fire or burning process, especially in descriptive or narrative contexts. Consider the specific nuances of related phrases like "snuffed out" or "died down" to add subtle differences in meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "flame was extinguished" excessively in metaphorical contexts where simpler phrases like "enthusiasm waned" or "passion faded" might be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flame was extinguished" typically functions as a passive construction describing the action of putting out a fire or, metaphorically, ending something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flame was extinguished" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe the act of putting out a fire, both literally and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is well-accepted in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, writers should consider the specific nuance they wish to convey and avoid overuse in favor of simpler alternatives when appropriate. Remember to always consider the effect you want your writing to have.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fire was put out

Replaces "flame" with "fire" and uses the phrasal verb "put out" instead of "extinguished", maintaining the same meaning.

flame was snuffed out

"Snuffed out" implies a quick and forceful extinguishing, adding a sense of abruptness compared to "extinguished".

fire ceased to burn

Emphasizes the cessation of the burning process, offering a slightly more formal tone.

flame died down

Suggests a gradual decrease in intensity before complete extinguishing, implying a slower process.

fire was quenched

"Quenched" implies suppressing the fire completely, often with a sense of finality.

flame went out

A simpler and more direct way of saying the flame was extinguished, suitable for informal contexts.

burning was stopped

Focuses on the action of stopping the burning, rather than the state of the flame itself.

fire was doused

"Doused" implies extinguishing a fire by pouring liquid over it, adding a specific method of extinguishing.

flame subsided

Implies the flame gradually diminished and disappeared, focusing on the reduction in intensity.

fire abated

"Abated" suggests a decrease in intensity and eventual cessation, often used in more formal or descriptive writing.

FAQs

What does "flame was extinguished" mean?

The phrase "flame was extinguished" means that a fire or burning object has been put out and is no longer burning. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the end of something, like a feeling or idea.

What can I say instead of "flame was extinguished"?

You can use alternatives like "fire was put out", "flame was snuffed out", or "fire ceased to burn" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "flame is extinguished"?

While grammatically correct, "flame is extinguished" implies that the extinguishing is happening in the present moment or is a continuous action. "Flame was extinguished" indicates a completed action in the past and is more commonly used.

What is the difference between "flame was extinguished" and "fire was extinguished"?

The phrases are very similar, but "flame was extinguished" specifically refers to the burning portion, while "fire was extinguished" can refer to the entire conflagration being put out. The choice depends on what you want to emphasize.