Writing Application: Using Nouns and Verbs
Learn
Good writers choose strong nouns and verbs to make their sentences clear and interesting. In this lesson, you will practice writing your own sentences!
What Makes a Complete Sentence?
Every complete sentence needs:
- A noun (the subject - who or what the sentence is about)
- A verb (what the subject does)
Example: "Dogs bark." (noun: Dogs, verb: bark)
Tips for Strong Writing
- Be specific with nouns. Instead of "animal," write "puppy" or "eagle."
- Use action verbs. Instead of "went," try "sprinted," "skipped," or "marched."
- Make sure every sentence has both a noun and a verb.
Weak vs. Strong Sentences
| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| The thing moved. | The butterfly fluttered. |
| The animal went home. | The squirrel scurried home. |
| Someone did something. | The chef chopped vegetables. |
Examples
Let us practice building sentences together!
Example 1: Finish the Sentence
The _______ (noun) _______ (verb) in the morning.
See Possible Answers
- The rooster crows in the morning.
- The sun rises in the morning.
- The baker bakes in the morning.
Example 2: Make It Stronger
Original: "The person went to the place."
See Stronger Version
Stronger: "The hiker climbed to the mountain top."
We replaced "person" with "hiker" and "went" with "climbed" to paint a clearer picture!
Example 3: Write from a Picture Prompt
Imagine a cat playing with yarn. Write a sentence about it.
See Sample Sentences
- The fluffy cat pounces on the red yarn.
- A playful kitten tangles the yarn around its paws.
- The orange cat swats at the ball of yarn.
Practice
Complete each writing task below. Write your answers on paper first!
1. Fill in the blank with a noun: The _______ jumps over the fence.
Check Sample Answers
rabbit, horse, dog, fox, kangaroo, deer (any animal or person that can jump works!)
2. Fill in the blank with a verb: The bird _______ in the sky.
Check Sample Answers
flies, soars, glides, flaps, swoops, circles
3. Write a sentence using the noun "firefighter" and a strong verb.
Check Sample Answers
The firefighter sprays water on the flames. / A brave firefighter rescues the cat. / The firefighter climbs the tall ladder.
4. Make this sentence stronger: "The thing moved fast."
Check Sample Answers
The cheetah sprinted across the plains. / The race car zoomed around the track. / The rocket blasted into space.
5. Write a sentence about a rainy day using at least one noun and one verb.
Check Sample Answers
Raindrops splash in the puddles. / Children jump in the muddy water. / The umbrella protects us from the rain.
6. Write a sentence about breakfast using at least two nouns and one verb.
Check Sample Answers
Mom pours cereal into a bowl. / The toaster pops up the bread. / Dad flips pancakes on the stove.
7. Fill in both blanks: At the beach, the _______ (noun) _______ (verb).
Check Sample Answers
waves crash, children build, seagulls squawk, surfer rides, crab scurries
8. Write two sentences about your favorite animal. Circle the nouns and underline the verbs.
Check Sample Answers
Example for "dog": Dogs bark when they see strangers. My puppy wags her tail when I come home.
9. Replace the weak words: "The animal made a sound."
Check Sample Answers
The lion roared loudly. / The owl hooted at night. / The frog croaked by the pond.
10. Write three sentences about what happens at school. Use different verbs in each sentence.
Check Sample Answers
Students read books in the library. Teachers explain lessons on the board. Friends play games at recess.
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to check what you learned.
1. What two things does every complete sentence need?
Show Answer
A noun (subject) and a verb (action).
2. Why is "The cheetah sprinted" better than "The animal went"?
Show Answer
It uses specific words that help the reader picture exactly what is happening. "Cheetah" is more specific than "animal," and "sprinted" is more descriptive than "went."
Next Steps
- Practice writing sentences about things you see every day.
- When you write, ask yourself: "Can I use a stronger noun or verb?"
- Move on to the Editing Workshop to learn how to fix sentences!