Soot marks chimney walls.

Meaning: This sentence describes the evidence of the fire's activity as soot accumulates on the walls of the chimney.

Choice of Words: Soot is the noun that refers to the black or brown powder that forms on surfaces due to incomplete combustion. Marks is the verb that indicates the presence of soot on the chimney walls. Chimney is the noun that represents the vertical passage or duct for smoke and gases to escape from a building. Walls is the noun that refers to the vertical structures that enclose a space.

Alternative Expressions

Black stuff marks chimney walls.

Meaning: This means the same as the first sentence, but it uses simpler words. It's like saying, The black stuff from the fire has made marks on the walls of the chimney.

Choice of Words: Black stuff is a simple way to describe the soot that forms when something burns. Marks means to leave a visible sign or trace of something. Chimney is a structure built to allow smoke and gases from a fire to escape. Walls are the vertical sides of a building or room. When you put them together, "Black stuff marks chimney walls" means that the black substance from burning has left visible signs on the walls of the chimney.

The chimney walls are marked by soot.

Meaning: This means the same as the first two sentences, but it changes the order of the words. It's like saying, The black stuff from the fire has made marks on the walls of the chimney.

Choice of Words: Chimney is a structure built to allow smoke and gases from a fire to escape. Walls are the vertical sides of a building or room. Marked means to leave a visible sign or trace of something. Soot is a black substance that forms when something burns. When you put them together, "The chimney walls are marked by soot" means that the black substance from burning has left visible signs on the walls of the chimney.

Related Expressions