The ducks quack happily as they swim by.

Meaning: This sentence describes the happy sounds made by ducks as they swim past.

Choice of Words: Ducks are waterfowl with webbed feet and a broad, flat bill. Quack is a verb describing the characteristic sound made by ducks. Happily means feeling or showing pleasure, contentment, or joy. As is a conjunction used to introduce a clause or phrase expressing time, reason, or condition. Swim means to move through water using limbs or fins.

Alternative Expressions

The ducks chatter merrily as they paddle along.

Meaning: This sentence describes a group of ducks that are paddling along and making merry chattering sounds. It suggests that the ducks are enjoying their time in the water.

Choice of Words: The is an article that refers to a specific group of nouns, in this case, the ducks. Ducks are waterfowl that can swim and quack. Chatter is a verb that describes the sound of rapid talking or making a series of short, sharp sounds. Merrily describes the manner in which the ducks are chattering, suggesting that they are happy and enjoying themselves. As is a conjunction that connects two clauses, in this case, the chattering of the ducks and their paddling. Paddle is a verb that describes the movement of the ducks through the water using their feet. Along indicates that the ducks are moving in a forward direction.

The ducks honk contentedly as they glide through the water.

Meaning: This sentence describes a group of ducks that are gliding through the water and making contented honking sounds. It suggests that the ducks are enjoying their time in the water.

Choice of Words: The is an article that refers to a specific group of nouns, in this case, the ducks. Ducks are waterfowl that can swim and quack. Honk is a verb that describes the sound made by geese or ducks. Contentedly describes the manner in which the ducks are honking, suggesting that they are happy and satisfied. As is a conjunction that connects two clauses, in this case, the honking of the ducks and their gliding. Glide is a verb that describes the smooth and effortless movement of the ducks through the water. Through indicates that the ducks are moving through the water.

Related Expressions