PUT OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'put out' means to extinguish a fire or source of light. It can also refer to publishing information or making something available.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'put out' means to extinguish a fire or source of light. It can also refer to publishing information or making something available.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
Put out can have an object between 'put' and 'out'.
Register
Neutral
The phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
It requires a direct object, like a fire or a publication.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple put out They put out the fire with buckets of water.
Past Simple put out The firefighters put out the blaze quickly.
Present Continuous putting out We are putting out a statement later today.
Present Perfect have put out They have put out many fires in their careers.

💡 When to Use

Extinguishing fires
Use when discussing the act of stopping a fire from burning.
Example: "They put out the campfire before leaving."
Releasing publications
Employ when referring to issuing a report, statement, or publication.
Example: "The company put out an annual report this week."
Turning off lights
Apply when talking about extinguishing a light or lamp.
Example: "He put out the light before going to bed."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong word order
❌ Wrong: Put the fire out quickly.
✅ Correct: Quickly put out the fire.
💡 Tip: Try placing 'out' directly after 'put' for clarity.
Using without an object
❌ Wrong: He put out immediately.
✅ Correct: He put out the light immediately.
💡 Tip: Always specify what is being put out.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: They is putting out the fire.
✅ Correct: They are putting out the fire.
💡 Tip: Remember subject-verb agreement.
Practice

PUT OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

extinguish quench

Antonyms

ignite

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The firefighters managed to ___ the blaze before it spread."

make out
put out
figure out
put off

"To put out the flames of conflict within oneself is to kindle the light of peace in the world."

In Context

In 1910, a ferocious wildfire swept through Wallace, Idaho, threatening to obliterate the entire town. Edward Pulaski, a dedicated forest ranger, was part of the team striving to put out the raging inferno. As the fires closed in, he led his crew to an abandoned mine to seek refuge. Despite the chaos, Pulaski's leadership held strong. The team worked relentlessly, trying to put out smaller fires around them. Pulaski, with unwavering determination, put out his own fear to keep everyone calm and focused. He famously wielded a gun to enforce discipline, preventing anyone from foolishly fleeing into the encircling flames. After a grueling night and successfully putting out the encroaching flames at the mine's entrance, his actions saved the majority of his crew. Edward Pulaski’s quick thinking and daring acts amid the devastation were pivotal, and the invention of his fire tool, which bears his name, further solidified his legacy. His efforts underscore the bravery and ingenuity required to put out more than just physical fires in times of crisis.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Put Out

What is the origin of put out?

+
The phrase 'put out' originates from Middle English, where 'put' was commonly used for placing or setting and 'out' denoted extinguishing.

Can put out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Put out' is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal scenarios, such as extinguishing flames or announcing publications or reports.

What is the difference between put out and extinguish?

+
While 'put out' and 'extinguish' both mean to stop a fire, 'put out' is more colloquial, whereas 'extinguish' is often more formal and specific.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

extinguishturn offemitproducerelease
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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