Sharp claws gripped the bark.

Meaning: The cat's sharp claws dug into the bark of the tree as it climbed.

Choice of Words: Sharp means having a fine edge or point. Claws are the sharp, curved nails on the toes of animals like cats. Bark is the hard, outer layer of a tree.

Alternative Expressions

The cat's claws dug into the tree.

Meaning: This sentence is also describing a cat using its sharp claws, but this time it's digging into the bark of a tree.

Choice of Words: Cat is a type of animal that has sharp claws. Dug means to make a hole or trench in something by scratching or clawing. Into means to move or go inside of something. Tree is a large plant with a trunk and branches. When you put them together, "The cat's claws dug into the tree" means that a cat is using its sharp claws to make holes or scratches in the bark of a tree.

The squirrel's sharp claws held onto the branch.

Meaning: This sentence is describing a squirrel using its sharp claws to hold onto a branch of a tree.

Choice of Words: Squirrel is a small animal that lives in trees and has sharp claws. Held means to keep something in your hand or grasp. Onto means to be in contact with the top or outer surface of something. Branch is a part of a tree that sticks out from the trunk. When you put them together, "The squirrel's sharp claws held onto the branch" means that a squirrel is using its sharp claws to hold onto a branch of a tree.

Related Expressions