Ashes settled in the fireplace, leaving a gray residue.

Meaning: The sentence is describing how the ashes from the fire are settling in the fireplace, leaving a gray layer of ash behind.

Choice of Words: Ashes are the powdery remains of something that has been burned. Settled means to come to rest after moving or flying. Fireplace is a place where a fire is built and kept. Leaving means to go away from a place or person. Gray is a color that is between black and white. Residue is something that remains after something else has been removed.

Alternative Expressions

The fire burned down, leaving behind a pile of ashes.

Meaning: This means that the fire has stopped burning and has gone out, and there is now a pile of ashes left in its place.

Choice of Words: Fire is what burns and produces heat and light. Burned means to be on fire or to be destroyed by fire. Down means to move from a higher place to a lower place. Pile is a collection of things that are put together in a heap. Ashes are what's left behind after something has burned.

The embers glowed in the fireplace, casting a warm glow on the room.

Meaning: This means that there are small pieces of burning wood or coal in the fireplace that are giving off a warm, soft light that is spreading throughout the room.

Choice of Words: Embers are small pieces of burning wood or coal. Glowed means to give off light without flames. Fireplace is a place where fires are made, usually inside a house. Casting means to throw or send out. Warm means slightly hot, making you feel comfortable. Glow is a soft light.

Related Expressions