it was extinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was extinguished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been put out or ended, such as a fire or a light. Example: "The fire raged for hours, but eventually, it was extinguished by the firefighters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

As the flow rate reduced, its radial position decreased with a linear-to-nonlinear transition and it was extinguished at its minimum radial position.

Combustion and Flame

No sooner was a glimmer of English flamboyance displayed than it was extinguished.

The Guardian - Arts

There was only one light — a bare ceiling bulb — and it was extinguished every evening at seven o'clock.

The New Yorker

It was extinguished at 11 28 A.M. the next day after causing nearly $1 million in structural damage.

The New York Times

The dynasty strongly resisted the Mughal advance southward in the 17th century until it was extinguished by the Indian emperor Aurangzeb with the capture of Bijapur in 1686.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Wednesday the fire slackened; on Thursday it was extinguished, but on the evening of that day the flames again burst forth at The Temple.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Only after it is extinguished will authorities learn how much of the blaze has been benign.

The Guardian

The brighter the candle, the thicker the darkness that follows it being extinguished seems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Had it been extinguished, there would have been no explosion, and far fewer people would have been exposed to radiation.

The Economist

Each source has to have some way of initiating the arc and a configuration that reignites the arc when it is extinguished.

Handbook of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Processing

By the time it is extinguished the athletes will have triumphed, fallen short or stumbled, and these 16 days in Brazil will perhaps define their careers forever.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was extinguished", ensure the subject is something that can logically be put out or brought to an end, such as a fire, a light, or a metaphorical concept like hope or a tradition.

Common error

Avoid using "it was extinguished" with subjects that cannot logically be put out. For example, it's less appropriate to say "it was extinguished by kindness" when referring to sadness; a better alternative would be "it was alleviated by kindness."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was extinguished" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject (often fire, light, or an abstract concept) underwent the action of being put out or brought to an end. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was extinguished" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction to describe the act of something being put out or brought to an end. As indicated by Ludwig, it's appropriate for both literal and metaphorical contexts, though care should be taken to ensure the subject logically aligns with the action. While versatile, alternatives like "it was put out" or "it was suppressed" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. With a neutral to formal register, this phrase appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was put out

Simple and direct alternative, suitable for most contexts where the subject is fire or light.

it was quenched

Implies a forceful suppression, often used for fires or desires.

it was snuffed out

Suggests a sudden and complete end, often used metaphorically.

it was suppressed

Indicates that something was forcibly stopped or kept under control.

it was terminated

A formal term for ending something, suitable for official contexts.

it was abolished

Used when something, such as a law or system, is formally ended.

it was eradicated

Suggests a complete removal or destruction of something.

it was invalidated

Means something has been officially declared not valid or acceptable.

it was phased out

Indicates a gradual ending or removal over time.

it was shut down

Commonly used for ending the operation of machinery or systems.

FAQs

How can I use "it was extinguished" in a sentence?

This phrase typically describes the act of something being put out, such as a fire or a light. For example: "The fire raged for hours, but eventually, "it was extinguished" by the firefighters."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was put out", "it was quenched", or "it was snuffed out" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it was extinguished" and "it was suppressed"?

"It was extinguished" typically refers to putting something out, like a fire. "It was suppressed" implies that something was forcibly stopped or kept under control, not necessarily put out.

When is it appropriate to use "it was extinguished" metaphorically?

You can use ""it was extinguished"" metaphorically to describe the ending of something intangible, such as hope, a dream, or a tradition. However, ensure the metaphor is clear and logical.