stub out

USAGE SUMMARY

"stub out" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to extinguish a cigarette or other smoking material by crushing the lit end against a hard surface. Example: After finishing his cigarette, John stubbed it out on the sidewalk and continued walking.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He started to stub out the butt.

The New Yorker

But people didn't stub out their cigarettes on the spot.

The New York Times

(Only non-union workers, of course; the Teamsters would surely stub out such an idea).

The Economist

By blunting the effect of price increases, it may also affect attempts to stub out smoking.

The Economist

With a national election approaching next fall, the effort to stub out the N.P.D. reeks of politics.

The New York Times

"You don't stub out a cigar," Nemethova says, as I lay the hot dog down on a silver ashtray.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Yana stubbed out a cigarette.

The New Yorker

"He stubbed out cigarettes on her face and legs.

The New York Times

The soldiers stubbed out their cigarettes on him.

The New York Times

People spilled coffee and stubbed out cigarettes on it.

The New York Times - Arts

He stubbed out his cigarette and lit another.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stub out" in your writing, ensure the context clearly relates to extinguishing a cigarette or cigar by pressing it against a surface. Using it figuratively might require careful consideration of your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "stub out" in contexts where a gentler or more nuanced verb is appropriate. For instance, while you can "stub out" a cigarette, you wouldn't typically "stub out" a negotiation; instead, you might "end" or "halt" it.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stub out" functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object (e.g., "stub out a cigarette"). Ludwig examples show it used both literally, referring to extinguishing smoking materials, and figuratively, implying the suppression of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stub out" is a common phrasal verb primarily used to describe the act of extinguishing a cigarette or cigar. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its usage leans toward neutral to informal contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used figuratively, be mindful of the context to avoid misapplication. Consider alternatives like "extinguish", "put out", or "crush out" depending on the desired level of formality and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crush out

This suggests a more forceful method of extinguishing, similar to the literal action of "stub out".

put out

This is a common and versatile phrasal verb that means to extinguish a fire or cigarette.

extinguish

This term provides a direct and general synonym for putting something out, applicable to various contexts, not just smoking.

snuff out

Similar to extinguish but often implies a sudden or abrupt end, particularly to a flame or a life.

stamp out

This is a more figurative use, implying the suppression or elimination of something, like a problem or an idea.

suppress

This indicates the act of holding back or restraining something, either literally or figuratively.

put a stop to

This alternative focuses on halting an activity or preventing something from continuing.

quench

This term often refers to satisfying thirst, but can also mean to extinguish a fire, offering a slightly more poetic alternative.

eliminate

Similar to eradicate, focusing on the removal of something undesirable.

eradicate

This suggests a complete removal or destruction of something, going beyond simple extinguishing.

FAQs

What does "stub out" mean?

The phrase "stub out" means to extinguish a cigarette, cigar, or other smoking material by pressing the lit end against a surface, thus putting it out.

How can I use "stub out" in a sentence?

You can use "stub out" in a sentence like this: "He "stubbed out" his cigarette in the ashtray before entering the building."

What's a more formal way to say "stub out"?

A more formal way to say "stub out" is to use the word "extinguish", which can apply to various types of fires, not just cigarettes.

Is it correct to use "stub out" metaphorically?

While primarily used for extinguishing smoking materials, you can use "stub out" metaphorically to mean stopping something abruptly, but be mindful of the context. Phrases like "put a stop to" or "suppress" might be more appropriate depending on the situation.