The boy raised his hand and waited.

Meaning: The boy showed the teacher that he wanted to speak by raising his hand and staying quiet.

Choice of Words: Raised means to move something up to a higher position. Hand is the part of the body at the end of the arm that you use to hold things. Waited means to stay in one place and not move until something happens. Putting them together, raised his hand and waited means the boy put his hand up in the air and stayed in place until the teacher called on him.

Alternative Expressions

The boy put his hand up and stayed there.

Meaning: This sentence is similar to the first one, but it uses different words to describe the boy's actions. Instead of saying "raised," it says "put up," which more clearly indicates that the boy placed his hand in a higher position. It also uses the word "stayed" instead of "waited," which emphasizes that the boy remained in place.

Choice of Words: Boy is a common noun that refers to a young male child. Put is a past tense verb that means to place something in a specific location. Hand is a common noun that refers to the part of the body at the end of the arm that has fingers and a thumb. Up is an adverb that means to a higher position. Stayed is a past tense verb that means to remain in one place.

The young lad lifted his hand and patiently awaited.

Meaning: This sentence is similar to the first two, but it uses more sophisticated language. It describes a young boy who calmly raised his hand and waited for something to happen.

Choice of Words: Young lad is a more formal way to say "boy." Lifted is a past tense verb that means to raise something up. Hand is a common noun that refers to the part of the body at the end of the arm that has fingers and a thumb. Patiently is an adverb that means to wait calmly and without complaining. Awaited is a past tense verb that means to wait for something to happen.

Related Expressions