Using Noun/Verb Selection
Nearly all graphics programs today allow the Noun/Verb method for selecting objects. This
method requires you to select objects before you issue a command to edit them—that is, you identify
the “noun” (the object you want to work on) before the “verb” (the action you want to perform
on it). The exercises in this section show you how to use the Noun/Verb method in AutoCAD.
You’ve seen that when AutoCAD is waiting for a command, it displays the crosshair cursor with
the small square. As mentioned, this square is a pickbox superimposed on the cursor. It indicates
that you can select objects even while the Command prompt appears at the bottom of the screen
and no command is currently active. The square momentarily disappears when you’re in a command
that asks you to select points.
TIP In addition to Noun/Verb selection, AutoCAD offers other selection options that let you use
familiar GUI techniques. See Appendix B to learn how you can control object-selection methods.
This appendix also describes how to change the size of the standard cursor.
Try moving objects by first selecting them and then using the Move command:
1. Press the Esc key twice to make sure AutoCAD isn’t in the middle of a command you might
have accidentally issued. Then, click the arc. The arc is highlighted, and you may also see
squares appear at its endpoints, center point, and midpoint. As stated earlier, these squares
are called grips. You’ll get a chance to work with them later.
2. Choose Move from the 2D Draw control panel. The cursor changes to Point Selection mode.
Notice that the grips on the arc disappear, but the arc is still selected.
3. At the Specify base point or [Displacement]
point on the screen. The following prompt appears:
Specify second point or
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Using Noun/Verb Selection
