put out the fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put out the fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express extinguishing a literal or metaphorical fire. For example: "We worked together to put out the fire before it spread to other buildings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We put out the fire".

The New York Times

Pretty please?" "I put out the fire".

The New Yorker

A fireman put out the fire with a chemical extinguisher.

The New Yorker

A fireman put out the fire with a….

The New Yorker

Firefighters put out the fire, but the booth was ruined.

The New York Times

He's always been there to put out the fire.

The New York Times

"Other drugs put out the fire once it's started.

The New York Times

He cut the engine to put out the fire.

The Washington Post

Anne Arundel firefighters arrived and put out the fire.

The Washington Post

Iraqi forces put out the fire within a week.

The Washington Post

He said neighborhood Shiites helped put out the fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "put out the fire" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to resolving a crisis or problem quickly and efficiently.

Common error

Avoid using "put out the fire" in contexts where a more precise or literal description would be clearer. Overuse of the metaphor can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put out the fire" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of extinguishing a fire, whether literal or metaphorical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

11%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put out the fire" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrasal verb, as Ludwig AI indicates, used to describe extinguishing a fire or resolving a conflict. It's very common in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also appearing in scientific and academic writing. While more formal alternatives exist, its widespread use makes it a reliable choice in most situations. Remember to consider the context when using the metaphorical sense to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extinguish the fire

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of stopping the fire.

stop the fire

Simple and direct, indicating the cessation of burning.

quench the flames

More poetic and figurative, suggesting a forceful suppression.

suppress the blaze

Implies controlling a large or intense fire.

subdue the fire

Formal alternative, emphasizing bringing the fire under control.

douse the fire

Focuses on using liquid to extinguish the fire.

smother the fire

Suggests covering the fire to deprive it of oxygen.

control the fire

Emphasizes managing and limiting the fire's spread.

get the fire under control

Highlights the process of achieving control over the fire.

dampen the fire

To make a fire less strong.

FAQs

How can I use "put out the fire" in a sentence?

You can use "put out the fire" literally, like "The firefighters worked hard to put out the fire", or metaphorically, such as "He stepped in to put out the fire between the feuding colleagues".

What's a more formal way to say "put out the fire"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "extinguish the fire" or "suppress the blaze", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "put out the fire" in a figurative sense?

Yes, "put out the fire" can be used figuratively to describe resolving conflicts or crises. For example, "The mediator was able to put out the fire and bring the parties to an agreement".

What's the difference between "put out the fire" and "control the fire"?

"Put out the fire" implies completely stopping the burning, while "control the fire" suggests managing and limiting its spread without necessarily extinguishing it entirely.