diff --git a/src/pray.c b/src/pray.c
index f10210bd0..2eda2f7fc 100644
--- a/src/pray.c
+++ b/src/pray.c
@@ -1417,10 +1417,10 @@ consume_offering(struct obj *otmp)
         Your("sacrifice disappears!");
     else
         Your("sacrifice is consumed in a %s!",
-             u.ualign.type == A_LAWFUL
+             (u.ualign.type == A_LAWFUL)
                 ? "flash of light"
-                : u.ualign.type == A_NEUTRAL
-                    ? "cloud of smoke"
+                : (u.ualign.type == A_NEUTRAL)
+                    ? "plume of smoke"
                     : "burst of flame");
     if (carried(otmp))
         useup(otmp);