Ancient cultures saw comets as harbingers of change, both good and bad.

Meaning: In the past, people believed that comets signaled changes, both positive and negative.

Choice of Words: Ancient means very old. Cultures are groups of people who share similar beliefs and customs. Harbingers are people or things that indicate or announce the arrival of something else. Change is the act or process of becoming different.

Alternative Expressions

Old-timey people thought comets were like messengers bringing news about changes, both happy and sad.

Meaning: Long ago, people believed that comets were like messengers who brought news about changes that were going to happen. The changes could make people happy or sad.

Choice of Words: Old-timey means something that happened a long time ago. People are human beings. Thought means believed or had an idea. Comets are like stars, but they have a long, bright tail. Messengers are people who carry messages. Bringing means carrying or delivering. News is information about something that has happened. Changes means something becoming different. Happy and sad are opposites. They mean something that makes you feel good or something that makes you feel bad.

People from way back when believed that comets were like signs that told them about changes that were going to happen, good or bad.

Meaning: Long ago, people believed that comets were like signs that gave them information about changes that were going to happen. The changes could be good or bad.

Choice of Words: People are human beings. Way back when means a long time ago. Believed means thought or had an idea. Comets are like stars, but they have a long, bright tail. Signs are things that give information about something else. Told means gave information. Changes means something becoming different. Good and bad are opposites. They mean something that is nice or something that is not nice.

Related Expressions