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Phrasal verbs "burn down" vs "burn off"

Differences between burn down and burn off

Burn down means to completely destroy a building or structure by fire, while burn off means to remove something by burning it.

Meanings and Definitions: burn down vs burn off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Burn down

  • 1Burn completely.

    They had to completely rebuild the museum after the old one BURNED DOWN.

Burn off

  • 1Remove by burning or similar process.

    I BURN OFF a lot of calories in the gym.

Usage Examples: burn down, burn off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

burn down

Example

The old barn burned down after being struck by lightning.

Example

If the fire isn't controlled, the entire forest burns down.

burn off

Example

I burn off a lot of calories when I go for a run.

Example

She burns off her stress by doing yoga.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Burn down

destroy by fire

To cause a building or structure to be completely destroyed by fire.

Example

The old factory was destroyed by fire and burned down to the ground.

go up in flames

To be destroyed by fire, especially quickly and completely.

Example

The house went up in flames after a gas leak caused an explosion.

reduce to ashes

To completely burn something until it becomes ashes.

Example

The forest fire reduced the entire area to ashes and left nothing behind.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Burn off

get rid of

To remove or eliminate something unwanted or unnecessary.

Example

She decided to get rid of her old clothes by donating them to charity.

melt away

To disappear or dissolve gradually, especially due to heat.

Example

The snow started to melt away as the sun came out and warmed up the ground.

work off

To burn calories or reduce weight through physical exercise.

Example

He started to work off his extra weight by going to the gym regularly and eating healthy food.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “burn”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in burn down vs burn off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: burn down or burn off?

In everyday conversation, burn off is more common than burn down. This is because burn off is used for more daily tasks and routines such as burning off calories or burning off weeds. Burn down is not used as much, as it refers to a more serious and rare event of a building being destroyed by fire.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of burn down and burn off

Burn down and burn off are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of burn down and burn off

The tone of burn down and burn off can differ based on context. Burn down often carries a serious and negative tone when referring to a building being destroyed by fire, while burn off typically has a positive and practical tone, especially when referring to removing unwanted substances or burning calories.

burn down & burn off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Burn down

Synonyms

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