Mad Libs: Instructions

What are "mad libs"?

"Mad libs" are fun ways to learn the parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, and so on). We have our own mad lib serial that we call "EdVentures", but you can create a serial or individual script of your own. EdVentures are silly stories about the adventures of Ed Serenson, who is the fictional owner of this website. You can also create your own EdVenture for the rest of the world to use. Or you can write a completely different script. It's up to you!

Where can I see some examples?

Visit our Hall of Fame to read some examples of the mad libs other users have created. These stories were created by our Mad Lib Generator.

How do I write a mad lib?

You write a mad lib by choosing the words to complete each story. You can write a mad lib in several ways:

Option 1: use our Mad Lib Generator

  • Go to our Mad Lib Generator. Choose a pre-built script under "Select a Script". Fill-in the blanks. For example, if you see a blank titled "Noun", then type in a noun. When you've filled-in all the blanks, press "Reveal" to read your mad lib.
  • You can even create your very own script for the rest of the world to see! Go to our Mad Lib Generator. Click "Create a script". Write your script, leaving the reader to fill-in the parts of speech you have left for them. For example, type "Once upon a time, there was a {NOUN}" (to insert a blank noun, choose "Noun" from the list of options). Your reader will now be asked to supply the noun to create a mad lib they can print and share. (You must join or login to create your own script but anyone can fill-in an existing script.)

Option 2: Print a PDF script

  • Print the relevant script from our list of pre-built scripts (below) and fill the blanks by hand, without looking at the script. Read the story aloud using the words you have chosen to fill the blanks. Our printable, pre-built scripts are:
 
6 Ed's Easter Parade (pdf, 236kb)
5 The St Patrick's Day Escape (pdf, 117kb)
4 Valentine's Day (pdf, 150kb)
3 Australia Day (pdf, 160kb)
2 The Fishing Trip (pdf, 126kb)
1 The Rock Concert (pdf, 237kb)
 

Option 3: Fill-in a PDF script online
  • Open the pdf of one of our pre-built scripts and type your answers in the blanks, without looking at the script. Read the story aloud using the words you have chosen to fill the blanks.

Option 4: Lead a group (ideal for school students)

  • Choose one student for each blank. For example, if a script has 15 blanks, choose 15 students. Ask your students to stand in a line. Ask each student to think of a word that fits their blank (do not show your students the script). Read the story aloud, pointing to each student when it's their turn to say their word.