Their tails swayed back and forth like pendulums.

Meaning: Monkeys' tails were moving smoothly from side to side like pendulums.

Choice of Words: "Tails" are the long, thin parts that extend from the backs of monkeys, "swayed" means to move gently back and forth, and "pendulums" are objects that swing freely back and forth.

Alternative Expressions

Their tails swung back and forth like pendulums.

Meaning: This sentence describes the tails of the animals moving back and forth like a pendulum, which is an object that swings to and fro in a steady rhythm.

Choice of Words: Tails refers to the back end of an animal. Swung is a verb that describes the movement of the tails. Back and forth indicate the direction of the swinging motion. Pendulums are objects that swing back and forth in a regular pattern.

The animals' tails waved to and fro like pendulums.

Meaning: This sentence is similar to the first one, but it uses the word 'waved' to describe the movement of the tails. It still means that the tails are moving back and forth like a pendulum.

Choice of Words: Animals refers to the creatures whose tails are being described. Waved is another verb that describes the movement of the tails. To and fro also indicate the direction of the waving motion. Pendulums are still used as a comparison.

The tails of the animals moved rhythmically back and forth, resembling the motion of pendulums.

Meaning: This sentence provides a more detailed description of the tails' movement. It explains that the tails are moving in a regular pattern, similar to the way a pendulum swings.

Choice of Words: Rhythmically means in a regular, repeating pattern. Resembling means being similar to something else. Pendulums are once again used as a point of comparison.

Related Expressions