Swings moved back and forth gently.

Meaning: The seats hung from ropes or chains were changing position or location in a slow, careful, and tender way.

Choice of Words: Swings are seats hung from ropes or chains that you can sit on and move back and forth. Moved means changed position or location. Back means the opposite direction of forward. Forth means forward. Gently means in a slow, careful, and tender way.

Alternative Expressions

The swings swayed back and forth gently.

Meaning: This sentence means the same thing as the first sentence, but it uses a different word to describe the movement of the swings.

Choice of Words: Swayed means to move gently back and forth. It is a similar word to moved, but it is more specific to the kind of movement that swings make.

The swings glided back and forth gently.

Meaning: This sentence means the same thing as the first two sentences, but it uses a more descriptive word to describe the movement of the swings.

Choice of Words: Glided means to move smoothly and effortlessly. It is a more poetic word than moved or swayed, and it gives the impression that the swings were moving very gracefully.

Related Expressions