Sensory details are words and phrases that help readers imagine how something looks, sounds, smells, tastes, or feels. Writers use sensory details to make their descriptions more vivid and realistic.
Sensory details connect directly to the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—to help readers experience the text.
Sensory details bring writing to life. They help readers build strong mental pictures and better understand the writer’s message.
Sensory details help the reader feel what is happening instead of just being told. This makes reading more engaging and memorable.
Writers add sensory details to describe settings, characters, and events. These details make stories and informational texts clearer and more enjoyable to read.
When adding sensory details, choose words that are specific and clear so the reader can picture exactly what you mean.
When you read, look for words that describe how things look, sound, smell, taste, or feel. These words are clues that the author is using sensory details.
Ask yourself: Which of my senses does this detail connect to? This question will help you recognize sensory details as you read.
Adding sensory details to your own writing will make it stronger and more interesting. Try to use at least one detail for each of the five senses when describing something important.
Strong writers choose sensory details carefully. Too many details can confuse the reader, but just the right ones create a clear picture.