fire burning out

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A fire that is slowly losing its flames and heat until it stops burning.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: 'a fire burning out' or 'the fire burning out'. It describes the process, not a command.

   Patterns

   • a fire burning out
   • the fire burning out
   • watch a fire burning out

   We sat by the fire burning out and talked until midnight.

   A fire burning out in the fireplace left only warm ashes.

   The campers kept an eye on the fire burning out slowly.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   Used figuratively for energy, enthusiasm, or a relationship that is gradually fading away.

   Grammar: Often used with abstract nouns: 'a passion burning out', 'the movement burning out'. It suggests a gradual loss, not a sudden stop.

   Patterns

   • passion burning out
   • enthusiasm burning out
   • a relationship burning out

   After ten years, their enthusiasm was like a fire burning out.

   The team's energy was a fire burning out by the final quarter.

   She described her love as a fire burning out, not a sudden end.

Common combinations

a fire burning out

A fire burning out in the hearth gave a soft light.

the fire burning out slowly

The fire burning out slowly was the only sound in the room.

watch the fire burning out

We watched the fire burning out and felt sleepy.

Synonyms and how they differ

dying down

Dying down is a phrasal verb meaning becoming weaker; it is more common and less formal than 'burning out' for fires.

fading

Fading is used more for light, sound, or feelings; 'burning out' specifically suggests a fire or strong energy coming to an end.

Opposites

Commonly confused: fire burning out or burned out?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “fire burning out”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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