Lightning strikes, tree bursts into flames.

Meaning: This sentence describes a tree catching fire after being struck by lightning.

Choice of Words: Lightning is a sudden flash of light in the sky caused by the discharge of electricity. Strikes means to hit something suddenly and with force. Tree is a tall plant with branches and leaves. Bursts means to suddenly break or explode. Into means to a position or condition. Flames are the hot, burning part of a fire. When you put them together, "Lightning strikes, tree bursts into flames" is a sentence describing a lightning strike causing a tree to catch fire.

Alternative Expressions

A bolt of lightning struck the tree, causing it to burst into flames.

Meaning: This sentence is similar to the first one, but it uses different words to describe the same event. It says that a bolt of lightning struck the tree, which caused the tree to burst into flames.

Choice of Words: Bolt is a word for a flash of lightning. Caused means to make something happen. Burst means to suddenly break open or explode. Flames are hot, burning gases that come from a fire.

The tree was struck by lightning and burst into flames.

Meaning: This sentence is a bit shorter than the other two, but it still conveys the same meaning. It says that the tree was struck by lightning, which caused it to burst into flames.

Choice of Words: Struck means to hit something suddenly and forcefully. Burst means to suddenly break open or explode. Flames are hot, burning gases that come from a fire.

Related Expressions