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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
advertised
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From this reading They advertised--they even offered rewards for the slightest information; but no clue could they obtain.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
any
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From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
anyonepronounUS /ˈeniwʌn/
any person at all
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
bearing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
called
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From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
came
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From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
clue
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From this reading They advertised--they even offered rewards for the slightest information; but no clue could they obtain.
commenced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
conclusion
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From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
contain
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From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
Dent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
Dent's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
description
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
detectives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
docks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
doubt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
easy
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From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
establish
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From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They advertised--they even offered rewards for the slightest information; but no clue could they obtain.
everywhere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
expired
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From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
flew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
information
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They advertised--they even offered rewards for the slightest information; but no clue could they obtain.
Isaac
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
Liverpool
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
loafing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
log
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading They advertised--they even offered rewards for the slightest information; but no clue could they obtain.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
obtainverbUS /əbˈteɪn/
to get something, especially through effort
From this reading They advertised--they even offered rewards for the slightest information; but no clue could they obtain.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
offered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They advertised--they even offered rewards for the slightest information; but no clue could they obtain.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
otherwise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
police
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
quays
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
quickly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
remanded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
rewards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They advertised--they even offered rewards for the slightest information; but no clue could they obtain.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
sailor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
search
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
searching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
ship's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
slightest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They advertised--they even offered rewards for the slightest information; but no clue could they obtain.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
truth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His name was not on any ship's log, and the police came to the conclusion that Liverpool really did not contain him.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The police were searching everywhere for a sailor called Dent.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When it commenced it seemed quite an easy search; but the days flew quickly, and neither about the docks, nor loafing round the quays, could anyone least bearing Isaac Dent's description be found.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
Willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
Will's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading They set detectives to work, and had little doubt that long before the week had expired for which Will had been remanded they would find their man, and establish the truth, or otherwise, of Will's story.