They played together in the backyard.

Meaning: This sentence is saying that the siblings had fun playing together in the backyard.

Choice of Words: They refers to two or more people. Played is the past tense of the verb play, which means to engage in an activity for enjoyment. Together means in the company of each other. In is a preposition that indicates a location or position. The is a definite article that refers to a specific thing. Backyard is the area of land behind a house. When you put them together, the sentence describes how siblings enjoy spending time together playing outside.

Alternative Expressions

The children played outside.

Meaning: This means that a group of young people were having fun by doing an activity together in an area that is not inside a building or shelter. It's like saying, The young people had a good time doing something they enjoyed outdoors.

Choice of Words: The is an article that refers to a specific group of people or objects. Children refers to young people. Played is a verb that means to participate in a game or activity for enjoyment. Outside means not inside a building or shelter. When you put them together, this sentence means that a group of young people engaged in a game or activity for enjoyment in an area that is not inside a building or shelter.

The kids were playing in the park.

Meaning: This means that a group of children were having fun by doing an activity together in a public area of land used for recreation. It's like saying, The children had a good time doing something they enjoyed in the park.

Choice of Words: The is an article that refers to a specific group of people or objects. Kids is an informal word for children. Were is a verb that refers to a past state of being. Playing is a verb that means to participate in a game or activity for enjoyment. In is a preposition that indicates a location or position. The is an article that refers to a specific place. Park refers to a public area of land used for recreation. When you put them together, this sentence means that a group of children were engaged in a game or activity for enjoyment in a public area of land used for recreation.

Related Expressions