Shadows danced on the walls.

Meaning: This means areas of darkness moved rhythmically on the sides of the cave.

Choice of Words: Shadows are areas of darkness caused by something blocking the light. Danced means to move rhythmically to music or for pleasure. Walls are the sides of a building, room, or other structure. When you put them together, "Shadows danced on the walls" means that areas of darkness moved rhythmically on the sides of the cave.

Alternative Expressions

The shadows were dancing on the walls.

Meaning: This sentence is similar to the first sentence, but it uses the definite article "the" to specify that we are talking about a particular set of shadows. It's like saying, Those particular shadows were moving in a graceful way on the walls.

Choice of Words: The is a definite article that is used to specify a particular noun. Shadows are the dark shapes that are created when something blocks the light. Were is a verb that is used to describe a state of being. Dancing is a verb that means to move in a graceful and rhythmic way. Walls are the vertical structures that enclose a space. When you put these words together, "The shadows were dancing on the walls" creates a picture in your mind of shadows moving in a graceful way on the walls.

Shadows danced gracefully on the walls.

Meaning: This sentence is similar to the first two sentences, but it uses the adverb "gracefully" to describe the way that the shadows moved. It's like saying, The shadows moved in a graceful way on the walls.

Choice of Words: Shadows are the dark shapes that are created when something blocks the light. Danced is a verb that means to move in a graceful and rhythmic way. Gracefully is an adverb that means in a graceful manner. Walls are the vertical structures that enclose a space. When you put these words together, "Shadows danced gracefully on the walls" creates a picture in your mind of shadows moving in a graceful way on the walls.

Related Expressions