By A Fire Or By Fire

Question

Hello everyone,1. Is either "by a fire" or "by fire" correct in the following sentence?1. His skin was burnt by a fire.2. His skin was burnt by fire.B. Could you please tell me if "with" is okay instead of "by" as follows?3. His skin was burnt with a fire.4. His skin was burnt with fire.Regards,JA

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Joseph A1. Is either "by a fire" or "by fire" correct in the following sentence?1. His skin was burnt by a fire.2. His skin was burnt by fire.

They are both possible. The second is more natural. The first makes it sound like the fire did it on purpose, or that his skin was burnt by a particular fire, maybe yesterday's campfire, and it seems an unlikely thing to say. If, say, his house was on fire, and that's how he got burnt, you would say "His skin got burnt in a fire."

Joseph AB. Could you please tell me if "with" is okay instead of "by" as follows?3. His skin was burnt with a fire.4. His skin was burnt with fire.

The first is so unlikely I have to say no. The second is possible, but it sounds like something from an ancient tale. I think it's the passive that is causing the problems.

By A Fire Or By Fire

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