They played catch for hours, laughing and having fun.

Meaning: The boy and the girl enjoyed playing catch for a long time, and they were both very happy.

Choice of Words: Played is a verb that means to take part in a game or activity. Catch is a noun that refers to a game in which players throw a ball to each other. Laughing is a verb that means to make a sound of amusement or joy. Having is a verb that means to possess or own something. Fun is a noun that refers to enjoyment or pleasure.

Alternative Expressions

The children tossed the ball around for several hours, giggling and enjoying themselves.

Meaning: This sentence describes a group of children who spent several hours throwing a ball back and forth while laughing and enjoying themselves.

Choice of Words: The word "children" is more specific than "they" and indicates that the people playing catch are young. "Tossed" is a synonym for "played catch" and means to throw something lightly. "Several" means more than two but less than many. "Giggling" is a synonym for "laughing" and refers to a high-pitched, excited laugh. "Enjoying themselves" is a synonym for "having fun" and means to be happy and content.

The group of friends spent the afternoon chucking the ball between them, erupting in laughter and reveling in their shared joy.

Meaning: This sentence describes a group of friends who spent the afternoon throwing a ball back and forth while laughing and enjoying their shared happiness.

Choice of Words: The phrase "group of friends" is more specific than "they" and indicates that the people playing catch are acquaintances. "Chucking" is a more informal word for "throwing" and suggests a casual and playful manner. "Afternoon" is a specific time of day, indicating that the activity took place during the later part of the morning. "Erupting in laughter" is a more vivid and descriptive way of saying "laughing" and suggests a sudden and uncontrollable outburst of laughter. "Reveling in their shared joy" is a more sophisticated way of saying "having fun" and implies a deep and intense sense of happiness.

Related Expressions