Using a thesaurus: Nile crocodile
The Grammar Bit!
A thesaurus is a special type of dictionary that is full of synonyms (words that have similar meanings). Using a thesaurus regularly will help broaden your vocabulary and has the potential of making your writing more interesting for the reader. It will also help you to avoid repetition.
Read the first sentence opposite (1A). Now read the redrafted version (1B) and identify the synonyms that were found by using a thesaurus. Discuss with a talk partner which version (or words) you prefer.
Now read the second sentence opposite (2A) and the redrafted version (2B). When do you think the thesaurus was used this time? Once more, discuss with a talk partner which is your preferred version and why.
Scintillating Sentences
1A) On the bank of the violent river, the egg thief was consuming his treasure.
1B) On the bank of the savage river, the egg thief was devouring his hoard.
2A) All of a sudden, the monster steamrolled through the reed bed and clamped its jaws around the egg thief’s slender body.
2B) All of a sudden, the monster raged through the reed bed and fastened its jaws around the egg thief’s willowy body.
Did you know?
Crocodiles will sometimes swallow stones. Scientists now think that they do this to help crush and grind up the animals that they often swallow whole. These stones, known as ‘gastroliths’, may stay inside a crocodile’s stomach for many years.