put out: meaning and explanation
The phrasal verb to put something out means to stop something (e.g. a fire) burning. e.g. We were able to put the fire out before it caused too much damage.
This phrasal verb can also be used for cigarettes, e.g. Would you mind putting out your cigarette? You aren’t allowed to smoke here.
Have a go at this dictation exercise to hear this phrasal verb being used in context – how much can you understand?
Dictation #1
Accent: Ireland
…The fire brigade managed to put out the fire…
To manage to do something = to succeed in doing something (which was probably difficult). e.g. It wasn’t easy but I managed to convince Harry to stay.
Discussion questions
Write your answers to these questions in the comments section, and I’ll get back to you with some feedback:
- Have you ever had to put out a fire? What happened?
- Have you ever asked someone to put out their cigarette?
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