They talked for hours by the fire.

Meaning: This sentence describes two people engaged in verbal communication for an extended period of time near a controlled burning of fuel.

Choice of Words: Talked is a verb that means to communicate verbally, for is a preposition that indicates a duration of time, hours is a noun that refers to a unit of time, by is a preposition that indicates proximity or location, and fire is a noun that refers to a controlled burning of fuel.

Alternative Expressions

They chatted for ages next to the fireplace.

Meaning: This means that they had a casual conversation for a long time while sitting near a fireplace. It's like saying, They had a long casual conversation while sitting near the fireplace.

Choice of Words: Chatted is a verb that means to have a casual conversation. Ages is an informal way of saying a long time. Next to is a preposition that means near or beside something. Fireplace is a noun that refers to a structure built to hold a fire. When you put them together, "They chatted for ages next to the fireplace" means that they had a casual conversation for a long time while sitting near a fireplace.

They conversed for a long time around the campfire.

Meaning: This means that they had a conversation for a long time while sitting around a campfire. It's like saying, They had a long conversation while sitting around the campfire.

Choice of Words: Conversed is a formal verb that means to have a conversation. Long time means a period of time that is longer than usual. Around is a preposition that means in the area of something. Campfire is a noun that refers to a fire built outdoors. When you put them together, "They conversed for a long time around the campfire" means that they had a conversation for a long time while sitting around a campfire.

Related Expressions