has been extinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been extinguished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something, such as a fire or a light, has been put out or is no longer active. Example: "The campfire has been extinguished, and we can now pack up our things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Today, that business model has been extinguished".

The New York Times

A brilliant flame has been extinguished.

The New York Times

A great light has been extinguished.

The New York Times

"That light has been extinguished suddenly and needlessly by you.

Independent

Our special report in this issue describes a country whose revolutionary fire has been extinguished.

The Economist

Do the Rolling Jubilee's beneficiaries even notice that their debt has been extinguished?

The New Yorker

We seem to have entered a land in which intelligence of any kind has been extinguished.

The New Yorker

A vital part of the heritage of May '68 has been extinguished.

The Guardian

The blaze has been extinguished and no one has been hurt.

The Guardian

But people rarely account for what is left behind after a cigarette has been extinguished.

The New York Times

Political opposition in parliament has been extinguished and many potential opponents are no longer a threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been extinguished" in your writing, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. It is suitable for describing the end of a literal fire but can also be used metaphorically to describe the end of hope, dreams, or other abstract concepts. Use alternatives if more literal meaning is requested.

Common error

Avoid using "has been extinguished" in overly dramatic or melodramatic contexts where simpler or more direct language would be more effective. Overusing figurative language can weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been extinguished" primarily functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice. It indicates that an action (extinguishing) has been completed upon a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and quite common. It is used to express a completed action with ongoing relevance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been extinguished" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to communicate that something has been brought to an end, whether literally or metaphorically. While versatile, its somewhat formal tone makes it most suitable for neutral to formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the tone and ensure it aligns with the intended impact, avoiding overuse in melodramatic situations. Be sure to consider all the synonyms when simpler meaning is requested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been put out

Replaces "extinguished" with a more common and direct synonym, focusing on the action of stopping a fire or light.

has been quenched

Similar to "extinguished" but often used in a more figurative sense, such as quenching thirst or desire.

has been snuffed out

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful end, often used metaphorically for life or hope.

has ceased to exist

A more formal and general way of saying something has ended or disappeared.

has come to an end

Focuses on the termination of a process or event.

is no more

A simple and emphatic way of stating that something has ceased to exist.

has died out

Often used for things that gradually disappear or lose strength, like a tradition or species.

has been suppressed

Indicates that something has been forcibly stopped or kept from developing.

has been eliminated

Suggests a complete removal or eradication of something.

has vanished

Implies a sudden and mysterious disappearance.

FAQs

How can "has been extinguished" be used metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "has been extinguished" can describe the end of something abstract, such as hope, a dream, or an idea. For example, "After the company's failure, all hope "has been extinguished"."

What are some synonyms for "has been extinguished"?

Synonyms include "has been put out", "has been quenched", "has ceased to exist", and "has died out", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "has been extinguished" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been extinguished" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing the end of something significant or in contexts where a slightly elevated tone is suitable. For example, reports, essays, articles and legal documents.

What is the difference between "has been extinguished" and "was extinguished"?

"Has been extinguished" implies that the action of extinguishing has recently occurred and has a present relevance or impact, while "was extinguished" simply states that the action occurred at some point in the past without necessarily implying a current relevance.