"set off a fire" vs "put out a fire"

Question

"set off a fire" vs "put out a fire"

The phrases 'put out a fire' and 'set off a fire' have different meanings and are not interchangeable. 'Put out a fire' means to extinguish a fire, while 'set off a fire' means to cause a fire to start. They are not comparable as they represent opposite actions.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to the action of starting a fire intentionally or unintentionally. It implies the act of igniting a fire.

Examples:

The fireworks accidentally set off a fire in the dry grass.
The faulty wiring in the house set off a fire in the attic.
The campers were warned not to set off a fire in the restricted area.
The arsonist was caught trying to set off a fire in the warehouse.
The careless disposal of cigarettes can easily set off a fire.

Alternatives:

start a fire
ignite a fire
trigger a fire
cause a fire
spark a fire

This phrase is used when referring to the action of extinguishing a fire. It implies the act of stopping a fire from burning.

Examples:

The firefighters worked hard to put out the fire.
Please grab the fire extinguisher and put out the fire.
It took hours to put out the fire that had spread through the forest.
The quick response of the team helped to put out the fire before it caused major damage.
The neighbors came together to help put out the fire in the building.

Alternatives:

extinguish a fire
douse a fire
quench a fire
snuff out a fire
smother a fire

Answer 1

set off a fire

This phrase is correct but has a different meaning from 'put out a fire.' It means to cause a fire to start.

Answer 2

put out a fire

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to mean extinguishing a fire.

"set off a fire" vs "put out a fire"

set off a fire

put out a fire

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