Chapter II · Chapter 2

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

possessive form of “a” — a metric unit of length equal to one ten billionth of a meter (or 0.0001 micron); used to specify wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation

From this reading A's share is twice as much as B's.

extensive landed property (especially in the country) retained by the owner for his own use

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary)

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

possessive form of “b” — aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading A's share is twice as much as B's.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

sheet of slate; for writing with chalk

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

The quality of being intelligent, quick to understand, and resourceful in danger.

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading How much does each own?"

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading How much does each own?"

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

set up or found

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading How much does each own?"

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A's share is twice as much as B's.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

a unit of instruction

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading A's share is twice as much as B's.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

on one occasion

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

burdened psychologically or mentally

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

a coniferous tree

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

lacking wit or imagination

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

-ing form of “protest” — utter words of protest

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

of or relating to British universities founded in the late 19th century or the 20th century

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

an educational institution

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

have in common

From this reading A's share is twice as much as B's.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

the environmental condition

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

not to be trusted

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

two times

From this reading A's share is twice as much as B's.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

the act of using

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

precisely as stated

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What use could be found in such prosy problems as "A and B together own three-hundred acres of land.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The spelling lesson had not been so unpleasant, for he could sense the tricky "ei-s" and "ie-s" with uncanny cleverness, but 'rithmetic--the very name oppressed him.

work made of wood; especially moldings or stairways or furniture

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL But an hour had passed since his protesting assertion that "Once doesn't matter, Mother, and anyway, it's school time," had been followed by flight to the many-windowed, red-brick building, and already the surroundings of dreary blackboard, dingy-green calsomine, and oft-revarnished yellow pine woodwork were becoming irksome.