Fables have several characteristic language features, including the use of action verbs and descriptive language to engage the reader. They also frequently employ direct and indirect speech, use past tense, and include linking words to clarify the sequence of events in time.

1. Fables have some languages features, such as:
 Using many action verbs, verbal, and mental process
 Using direct and indirect speech
 Using the past tense
 Using linking words related to time
 Using languages with different the tenses
 Using descriptive languages to help reader’s imagination

2. Sequence Words
Beginning Middle
Event occurring at
the same time
Interruption Ending
 Once
 Once upon a
time
 Long time ago
 In the past
 One day
 In the
beginning
 First of all
 First
 Firstly
 To begin
 To start
 Later
 Next
 second
 secondly
 soon
 meanwhile
 then after
 after that
 after ward
 after while
 before
 and
 furthermore
 moreover
 another
 also
 in addition
 subsequently
 while
 as
 during
 suddenly
 all of a sudden
 but then
 surprisingly
 unexpectedly
 finally
 in the end
 at the end
 by the end
 at last
 at long last
 lastly
 after all
 in conclusion

3. Type Function Example
Time To describe when an action is
performed, such as now, today,
yesterday, Monday, 11 p.m.
The hare now run his swiftest, but he could not
overtake the Tortoise in time.
Place To describe where an action is
performed, such as here, there,
nowhere, through, where, sideways.
The tortoise meanwhile kept going slowly but
steadily, and, after a time, passed the place where
the hare was sleeping.
Frequenc
y
To describe the frequency of an
action, such as always, sometimes,
often, never, rarely.
The Hare knew that the Tortoise never ran fast.
Manner To describe how an action is
performed, such as quickly, carefully,
nicely, equally, kindly, deeply.
The hare was soon far out of sight, and to make
the Tortoise feel very deeply how ridiculous it was
for him to try a race with a Hare, he lay down
beside the course to take a nap until the Tortoise
should catch up.
Degree To describe how much an action is
performed, such as very, entirely,
somewhat, most, thoroughly.
The Hare was soon far out of sight, and to make
the Tortoise feel very deeply how ridiculous it was
for him to try a race with a Hare, he lay down
beside the course to take a nap until the Tortoise
should catch up.

4. Past tense usage Example from the text
Actions that happened at a
specific time in the past
One summer afternoon as she dozed away in her den in the old
oak tree, a Grasshopper nearby began a joyous but very raspy
song.
A sequence of short actions So, she laid aside all hard words and spoke very kindly to him