Home safety · Home and routines
smoke alarm
fire warning device
A device that makes a loud noise when it detects smoke.
This vs that
The smoke alarm went off.
The carbon monoxide was dangerous.
Hear it in real life
Why is there a smoke alarm in every bedroom?
It gives us an early warning if there's a fire.
Our smoke alarm went off at three in the morning because I burnt the toast.
Which sounds natural?
Psst — which one would you actually say?
People normally say 'went off' in everyday conversation; the stiff version sounds technical.
The mistake everyone makes
Not: The smoke alarm makes a sound when it detects the fire.
Say: The smoke alarm goes off when it detects smoke.
Use 'goes off' for an alarm sounding, and 'smoke' rather than 'the fire'.
Say it together
Whole chunks natives use with it.
the smoke alarm goes off
The smoke alarm went off while I was making toast.
If the smoke alarm goes off, get everyone outside.
Phrases to borrow
More for talking about home safety.
keep something out of reach
Keep cleaning products out of reach of children.
check for signs of
Check for signs of damage before using the ladder.
Home safety words
Home and routines · Home safety: the words around “smoke alarm”.
More connectionsMore home safety words8
More home safety words
Your turn: say it out loud
The smoke alarm went off.
Say it out loud two or three times, until it feels like yours.
smoke alarm
fire warning device
“Our smoke alarm went off at three in the morning because I burnt the toast.”
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