a chimney

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chimney" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a structure that allows smoke and gases to escape from a building, typically found on roofs. Example: "The old house had a tall, brick chimney that stood out against the skyline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just a chimney.

Harvard Business Review

Or a chimney sweep.

The Guardian

The darkness reveals … a chimney.

The Guardian - Arts

J.P. is married to a chimney sweep.

The New Yorker

And he smoked like a chimney.

The New Yorker

Every house had a chimney, some two.

The New Yorker

Do I need a chimney?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A house with a chimney.

The New York Times

You smoke like a chimney".

The New York Times

[Design for a chimney piece] [art original].

Yale University

Probably a chimney sweep from Solihull".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a chimney" to refer to both the physical structure on a roof and the internal channel that allows gases to escape.

Common error

Avoid using "a chimney" interchangeably with terms like "flue" or "smokestack" if you need to be precise; while related, they have distinct meanings. A flue is the internal passage within a chimney, while a smokestack generally refers to a larger, industrial structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chimney" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a physical structure designed for venting smoke and gases. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

21%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a chimney" is a grammatically correct and common noun phrase used to describe a structure for venting smoke and gases. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is straightforward and widely accepted. The phrase appears frequently in news, academic writing, and general contexts. While alternatives like "flue" or "smokestack" exist, they have slightly different meanings, emphasizing specific aspects of the structure or its function. When writing, remember to use "a chimney" to generally refer to a chimney and distinguish it from its internal parts or larger industrial structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chimney stack

Emphasizes the vertical construction and arrangement of the chimney.

a fireplace chimney

Specifies the common type of fireplace using a chimney

a brick chimney

Specifies the common material used in chimney construction.

a flue

Focuses on the internal passage for smoke rather than the structure itself.

a stone chimney

Specifies another material used in chimney construction.

a smokestack

Suggests a more industrial or larger-scale chimney.

a furnace flue

Specifically relates to a chimney connected to a furnace.

a smoke vent

Focuses on the opening through which smoke exits.

a ventilation shaft

Highlights the chimney's function in air circulation.

an exhaust pipe

Describes a simpler, often metallic, chimney.

FAQs

How is "a chimney" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a chimney" is generally used as a noun phrase in a sentence to refer to a structure that vents smoke and gases from a fireplace, furnace, or stove. For example, "The house had "a tall chimney"."

What are some alternatives to using "a chimney"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a chimney" include "a flue" (the internal passage), "a smokestack" (for industrial contexts), or "a smoke vent".

Is it correct to say 'a chimney' or should I use another article?

Using the indefinite article "a" before "chimney" is correct when referring to one unspecified chimney. If referring to a specific chimney, use "the" instead. For example, "The chimney needs cleaning."

What's the difference between "a chimney" and "a flue"?

"A chimney" refers to the entire structure, while ""a flue"" specifically refers to the internal passage within the chimney that carries smoke and gases.