Meaning trap
burn out
stop burning or working
To stop burning, shining, or working because of being used for too long or damaged.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To stop burning, shining, or working because of being used for too long or damaged.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The light bulb burned out, so we need to replace it.
During my presentation, the projector burned out, which made it difficult to show my slides.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The bulb is burnt down.
Say: The bulb is burnt out.
A bulb 'burns out' (stops working); 'burn down' is for buildings destroyed by fire.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Burn out' is the everyday verb for a bulb or fuse dying; 'ceased to function' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
burn out (bulb/engine)
- the bulb
- the fuse
- the motor
- completely