Stories painted pictures in her mind.

Meaning: She was able to imagine the story very clearly in her mind.

Choice of Words: Story is a narrative, either true or fictional, that describes a sequence of events. Paint is to cover something with a liquid or powder that gives it a different color. Picture is a representation of something drawn, painted, photographed, or printed. The sentence suggests that the person was able to vividly imagine the events of the story as they were reading it.

Alternative Expressions

The sweet smell of roses filled the air.

Meaning: This means that the air around was filled with the nice smell of roses, making it smell pleasant and fragrant. It's like saying, The air was full of the lovely scent of roses, making it smell wonderful.

Choice of Words: Sweet means having a pleasant taste or smell. Smell is the sensation of odor. Roses are fragrant flowers known for their beauty and aroma. Filled means to make something full or to occupy a space. Air is the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth. When you put them together, "The sweet smell of roses filled the air" means that the air was filled with the pleasant fragrance of roses.

The playful puppy wagged its tail excitedly.

Meaning: This means that the puppy was feeling happy and excited, and it was showing it by wagging its tail. It's like saying, The puppy was so happy that it couldn't stop wagging its tail.

Choice of Words: Playful means full of energy and fun. Puppy is a young dog. Wagged means to move the tail back and forth quickly. Tail is the long, thin part of an animal's body that sticks out from its back. Excitedly means to be very happy or enthusiastic. When you put them together, "The playful puppy wagged its tail excitedly" means that the puppy was moving its tail back and forth quickly because it was feeling happy and energetic.

Related Expressions