They listened intently to her stories.

Meaning: This means that they paid close attention to the stories she was telling, showing that they valued her words.

Choice of Words: Intently means with great attention or focus. Stories are accounts of events or experiences that are told for entertainment or information.

Alternative Expressions

The children sat quietly at their desks.

Meaning: This means the children were behaving well and not making any noise. They were sitting still and paying attention.

Choice of Words: Children are young people. Sat means to be in a position where your bottom is resting on something and your back is supported. Quietly means to be without making any noise. Desks are pieces of furniture that people use to write or work on. When you put them together, "The children sat quietly at their desks" means the children were sitting at their desks without making any noise.

The dog ran quickly across the yard.

Meaning: This means the dog was moving very fast across the yard. It was probably excited or chasing something.

Choice of Words: Dog is a four-legged animal that is often kept as a pet. Ran means to move quickly by putting one foot in front of the other. Quickly means to move at a fast pace. Yard is an outdoor area that is often used for recreation or relaxation. When you put them together, "The dog ran quickly across the yard" means the dog was moving quickly across the yard.

Related Expressions