Words / A2

TORCH/tɔːtʃ/

A torch is a small electric light you hold (British): a pocket torch, switch on the torch, torch battery. Flashlight is the usual US word. Lamp is often larger or on a table. Touch is the verb. Do not write torch when you mean touch, or porch.

Meaning

A small electric light that you hold in your hand (British English).

Examples

• “Take a torch for the path back to the campsite.”
• “Take a torch; the campsite path has no lights.”
• “My phone torch helped us read the platform sign.”

Good to know

a pocket torch (British). US cousin: flashlight. Mix-up: touch, porch.

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