Master Class: Friday
27 08 2010The amiable uncle ran amok in the anecdote.
Another vocabulary builder exercise for today. Rewrite this sentence replacing the bold words with other words than express the same meaning. I expect that you will need to use a dictionary. Leave your sentence as a comment here and I will respond within a day.
This activity is open to all, not just people currently enrolled in my class.
The congenial uncle ran a violent frenzy in the humorous reminiscence.
Literal: the likable uncle caused disaster in the small story.
Attempt at exciting: Uncle Fred, whom I am quite fond of, had caused utter chaos in Uncle Bob’s story.
Hannah, correct but still a little wordy/clever. Travis has done something that flows well in his second try. How about you try something similar, in your voice of course.
Travis, I like the second attempt more. You have twisted amiable a little, which is okay. However, I would be interested to see if you could tweak this otherwise-terrific sentence a bit to get it back to amiable as likeable.
The genial uncle threw everyone into hysteria when he recited that old chestnut.
I understand what you mean. I decided that I’d change who the sentence is coming from, for effect.
Uncle Fred, a very likeable character, had caused utter chaos in Uncle Bob’s story.
Travis, I think that you change did probably improve the sentence, just so long as you – as a writer – are aware when you are changing the meaning. Lots of the time, it is quite fine. Other times, less so.
Crystal, good use of the vernacular. A good sentence.
The congenial uncle ran a violent frenzy in the humorous reminiscence.
My congenial uncle began a frenzy as he reminissed (spelling?).
reminisced.
Otherwise, very good.