Question

complete the sentence with the correct plural.
chimney
need regular maintenance in order to prevent a build-up of creosote—a highly combustible residue left by wood-burning fires.

Explanation:

To form the plural of "chimney", we follow the rule for nouns ending in "y" preceded by a consonant: change the "y" to "i" and add "es". So "chimney" (ending with "ey", where "y" is preceded by "n", a consonant) becomes "chimneys"? Wait, no—wait, "chimney" ends with "ey", so the base is "chimne" + "y"? Wait, no, "chimney" is spelled c-h-i-m-n-e-y. The "y" is preceded by "e", a vowel? Wait, no: the letter before "y" is "e" (vowel), so when a noun ends with "y" and the letter before "y" is a vowel, we just add "s". Wait, let's check: "chimney" → the last syllable is "ney" (n-e-y). So the "y" is after "e" (vowel), so plural is "chimneys" (add "s"). Wait, but wait, maybe I made a mistake. Wait, "city" (c-i-t-y) → "y" after "t" (consonant), so plural "cities" (change y to i, add es). "boy" (b-o-y) → "y" after "o" (vowel), plural "boys" (add s). So "chimney": the letter before "y" is "e" (vowel), so plural is "chimneys" (add s). Wait, but let's confirm: "chimney" plural is "chimneys". So the correct plural is "Chimneys".

Answer:

Chimneys