Using a thesaurus: sponge
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) Inside the remarkable Venus flower basket sponge, the shrimps were sheltered from the many ocean-going predators.
1B) Inside the the extraordinary Venus flower basket sponge, the shrimps were shielded from the many ocean-going predators.
2A) After what seemed like an eternity, the amorous lodgers decided that the time was right to start a family.
2B) After what seemed like forever, the romantic residents decided that the time was right to start a family.
Did you know?
Incredibly, a sponge can be put through a mincer and reduced to a mush of cells, yet can still reorganise itself and reform into its orginal shape or something very similar.