Bob stepped out for a smoke

[Bassim]

I am wondering if my sentence sounds natural.

Bob stepped out for a smoke when the fire started on the second floor of the office building.

 

[teechar]

Which happened first?!
Try:
When Bob stepped out for a smoke, a fire started on the second floor of the office building.

 

[Bassim]

teechar,

Thank you for reminding me which happened first. I didn't think about that until you told me. First Bob stepped out for a smoke, and then a fire started.

Could I rephrase my sentence like this:

Bob stepped out for a smoke just before a fire started on the second floor of the office building.

 

[teechar]

Yes, but I would use "had stepped out" in that last sentence.

 

[Skrej]

Otherwise, without some references as to the sequence of events, it sounds like Bob's (ironic) reaction to the fire starting was to merely step outside for a smoke.

"Oh, there's a fire on the second floor. Good time for a quick smoke."

There's probably a good comedy scene in that scenario, just waiting to be written.

 

[Tdol]

If the building were being evacuated, it would be churlish not to take the opportunity for a cigarette break.;-)