Lightning strikes tree burns.

Meaning: This sentence describes how lightning hits a tree, causing it to catch fire and burn.

Choice of Words: Lightning is a sudden flash of light in the sky caused by the discharge of electricity. Strike means to hit something suddenly and with force. Tree is a tall plant with a woody stem and branches. Burn means to be on fire or to be damaged by fire.

Alternative Expressions

Lightning bolt hits tree, causing it to ignite.

Meaning: This means the same thing as the first sentence, but it uses different words to describe what happened.

Choice of Words: Lightning bolt is another way to say lightning. Hits means to strike something with force. Tree is a tall plant with a trunk and branches. Causing means to make something happen. Ignite means to start burning. When you put them together, "Lightning bolt hits tree, causing it to ignite" means that the lightning hit the tree and caused it to start burning.

A flash of lightning struck the tree, setting it ablaze.

Meaning: This means the same thing as the first two sentences, but it uses different words to describe what happened.

Choice of Words: Flash is a sudden burst of light. Lightning is the bright light and loud noise in the sky that happens during a storm. Struck means to hit something with force. Tree is a tall plant with a trunk and branches. Setting means to cause something to be in a particular state. Ablaze means on fire. When you put them together, "A flash of lightning struck the tree, setting it ablaze" means that a sudden burst of lightning hit the tree and caused it to catch on fire.

Related Expressions