Description

when they finished singing ?

**The Answer to “When They Finished Singing, Lisa _____ the Candles…” Explained**

If you’ve ever taken an English grammar quiz or brushed up on past-tense verbs, you’ve probably encountered a question like this: *“When they finished singing, Lisa ________ the candles on the cake.”* The options might leave you a little confused or second-guessing. Let’s break it down and find the answer together!

### The Question, Simplified
The sentence sets up a scene: a group finishes singing, and Lisa interacts with the candles on a cake. The task is to choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
– A. *turned off*
– B. *blew out*
– C. *cleared up* (or *cleaned up*)
– D. *brought out*

### Why the Confusion?
This question isn’t just about grammar; it’s about context. Navigating the options requires understanding phrasal verbs, past-tense forms, and real-world scenarios. Let’s tackle each choice logically.

#### Option by Option Breakdown
1. **Turned off**:
– *Turn off* is used for switching off lights, devices, or taps. Candles aren’t “turned off”—you extinguish them. This is likely a distractor here.

2. **Blew out**:
– The verb **blow out** is **spot-on** for putting out flames, especially candles. The past tense of “blow” is **blew**, so this fits perfectly: “Lisa *blew out* the candles…” This matches the past-tense context of the sentence.

3. **Cleared up** or *cleaned up*:
– These verbs imply tidying or solving a problem. You don’t “clear up” candles—you might clean up the mess afterward, but the direct action with candles is blowing them out.

4. **Brought out**:
– To *bring out* means to reveal or show something (e.g., “She brought out the birthday cake”). It doesn’t relate to extinguishing candles.

### The Winning Choice: B. *blew out*
The correct answer is **B. blew out**. Why?
– **Context matters**: Birthday cakes require the birthday person to blow out candles!
– **Verb tense**: The past-tense structure (*finished singing*) demands *blew*, the past tense of “blow.”
– **Idiomatic use**: “Blow out candles” is a fixed phrase in English.

### Common Pitfalls & Tips
– **Past Tense Errors**: A classic mistake is confusing *blew* (past of blow) with *blew* (not “blewed”).
– **Mixing Up Phrasal Verbs**: *Blow out* ≠ *blow away* (to scatter) or *blow up* (to explode). Focus on the intended action here: extinguishing.
– **Traps Like “Turned Off”**: Remember: Switches turn devices off; breath extinguishes flames.

### Example for Reinforcement
Let’s test it in a sentence:
– ✓ Correct: *After singing “Happy Birthday,” Lisa blew out the candles.*
– ✗ Incorrect: *Lisa turned off the candles.* (Sounds like she unplugged them!)

### Beyond the Quiz: Why This Matters
Phrasal verbs (like *blow out*) and past-tense forms are vital for fluency. Mistaking “blew” for “blew out” or choosing “turned off” can lead to misunderstandings.

### Final Tips for Learners
1. **Visualize the Scene**: Imagine a birthday party. What action is logical? Blowing candles is iconic in such celebrations!
2. **Master Key Phrasal Verbs**: Keep a list of verbs like “blow out,” “blow off” (avoid commitments), and “blow by” (ignore), to avoid confusion.
3. **Practice with Context Clues**: Always look for nouns (candles, cake) and verbs (singing) that hint at the action.

### In Summary
This question isn’t just about memorizing verbs—it tests your grasp of real-life language. Next time you see *candles* and *sing*, remember: **Lisa blew them out. The candles, not the lights!**

Happy studying, and don’t forget to *blow out* the guesswork! 🔥🍰

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Need more practice? Challenge yourself with similar past-tense exercises or phrasal verb quizzes to nail tricky grammar points. The more you practice, the clearer these distinctions become!