Clouds drifted, moonbeams shone.

Meaning: This sentence is describing the movement of clouds and the shining of moonbeams.

Choice of Words: Clouds are visible masses of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. Drifted means to move slowly and smoothly in the air or water. Moonbeams are rays of light from the moon. Shone means to emit light. Thus, "Clouds drifted, moonbeams shone" means that the clouds were moving slowly in the sky and the rays of light from the moon were illuminating the night.

Alternative Expressions

The clouds sailed across the sky, the moonbeams shimmered.

Meaning: This means the clouds were moving gracefully across the sky and the moonbeams were twinkling.

Choice of Words: Sailed is a more poetic way to say drifted. It makes the clouds seem like they're floating on the wind like a boat. Shimmered means the moonbeams were shining with a soft, sparkling light.

The clouds danced in the breeze, the moonbeams twirled.

Meaning: This means the clouds were moving in a playful way in the wind and the moonbeams were swirling around like a dancer.

Choice of Words: Danced and twirled are both verbs that describe graceful movements. This makes the clouds and moonbeams seem like they're alive and enjoying themselves.

Related Expressions