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Bullets & Billets
Bullets & Billets

Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

Chapter 19 of Bullets & Billets is here in full — 192 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Bullets & Billets
Context Illustration Reading 1/38 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.
After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.
These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.
If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.
In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Bullets & Billets

Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

Chapter 19 of Bullets & Billets is here in full — 192 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/38 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.
Line 2
After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.
/ˈæftər lɔːŋ spelz ʌv trentʃ laɪf truːps ɡet ˈveri mʌtʃ aʊt ʌv strɔːŋ ɪˈfɪʃənt ˈmɑːrtʃɪŋ ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlətiz ənd ɑːr ˈɔːlsoʊ æpt tuː ɡet slæk ɔːl raʊnd/
Line 3
These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.
/ðiːz rests ˈðerfɔːr kʌm ˌpiːriˈɑːdɪkəli tuː ɔːl æt ðə frʌnt ənd ɑːr æz ɪt wɜːr ˈtɑːnɪks/
Line 4
If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.
Line 5
In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

capabilities noun US /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlətiz/

plural of “capability” — the quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally

From this reading “After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.”

consist verb US /kənˈsɪst/

originate

From this reading “GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.”

departments noun US /dɪˈpɑːrtmənts/

plural of “department” — a specialized division of a large organization

From this reading “GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.”

evolution noun US /ˌevəˈluːʃən/

a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage)

From this reading “If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.”

flappers noun US /ˈflæpərz/

plural of “flapper” — a young woman in the 1920s who flaunted her unconventional conduct and dress

From this reading “If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.”

merge verb US /mɜːrdʒ/

become one

From this reading “If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.”

periodically adverb US /ˌpiːriˈɑːdɪkəli/

in a sporadic manner

From this reading “These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.”

tonics noun US /ˈtɑːnɪks/

plural of “tonic” — lime- or lemon-flavored carbonated water containing quinine

From this reading “These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.”

All words in this reading · 96

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

AHEADadverbUS /əˈhed/

at or in the front

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

aptadjectiveUS /æpt/

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

armsnounUS /ɑːrmz/

weapons considered collectively

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

ATTACKnounUS /əˈtæk/

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

capabilitiesnounUS /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlətiz/

plural of “capability” — the quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

CARICATURING

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

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

completelyadverbUS /kəmˈpliːtli/

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

consistverbUS /kənˈsɪst/

originate

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

convertverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərt/

change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

CURÉ

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

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

departmentsnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənts/

plural of “department” — a specialized division of a large organization

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

DIRTYadjectiveUS /ˈdɜːrti/

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

efficientadjectiveUS /ɪˈfɪʃənt/

being effective without wasting time or effort or expense

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

evolutionnounUS /ˌevəˈluːʃən/

a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage)

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

fin-like

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

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

FITverbUS /fɪt/

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

flappersnounUS /ˈflæpərz/

plural of “flapper” — a young woman in the 1920s who flaunted her unconventional conduct and dress

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

frontnounUS /frʌnt/

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

GETTINGnounUS /ˈɡetɪŋ/

the act of acquiring something

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

harmonynounUS /ˈhɑːrməni/

compatibility in opinion and action

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

intelligentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒənt/

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

legsnounUS /leɡz/

staying power

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

marchingnounUS /ˈmɑːrtʃɪŋ/

the act of marching; walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind)

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

mergeverbUS /mɜːrdʒ/

become one

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

MilitaryadjectiveUS /ˈmɪləteri/

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

ORDERSnounUS /ˈɔːrdərz/

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

periodicallyadverbUS /ˌpiːriˈɑːdɪkəli/

in a sporadic manner

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

PROJECTEDadjectiveUS /prəˈdʒektəd/

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

renderverbUS /ˈrendər/

cause to become

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

restsnounUS /rests/

plural of “rest” — something left after other parts have been taken away

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

roundnounUS /raʊnd/

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

sea-lions

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

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

seal-like

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

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

slackadjectiveUS /slæk/

not tense or taut

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

slowlyadverbUS /ˈsloʊli/

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

sortnounUS /sɔːrt/

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

spellsnounUS /spelz/

plural of “spell” — a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

stayedverbUS /steɪd/

past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

studiesnounUS /ˈstʌdiz/

plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

tailnounUS /teɪl/

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

tennounUS /ten/

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

tonicsnounUS /ˈtɑːnɪks/

plural of “tonic” — lime- or lemon-flavored carbonated water containing quinine

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

trainingnounUS /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/

activity leading to skilled behavior

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

trenchnounUS /trentʃ/

a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

trenchesnounUS /ˈtrentʃɪz/

plural of “trench” — a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

troopsnounUS /truːps/

soldiers collectively

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

UNLOOKED-FORadjective

not anticipated

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading After long spells of trench life, troops get very much out of strong, efficient marching capabilities, and are also apt to get slack all round.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading These rests, therefore, come periodically to all at the front, and are, as it were, tonics.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In fact, time would convert them into intelligent sea-lions, and render them completely in harmony with their natural life.

WORKverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading GETTING FIT--CARICATURING THE CURÉ-- "DIRTY WORK AHEAD"--A PROJECTED ATTACK--UNLOOKED-FOR ORDERS Military life during our ten days was to consist of getting into good training again in all departments.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If men stayed long enough in trenches, I should say, from my studies in evolution, that their legs would slowly merge into one sort of fin-like tail, and their arms into seal-like flappers.

Chapter 19 of Bullets & Billets by Bruce Bairnsfather holds 192 sentences, grouped into 39 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 19 of Bullets & Billets contain?

Chapter 19 holds 192 sentences of Bullets & Billets, unabridged, divided into 39 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 19 of Bullets & Billets by Bruce Bairnsfather exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 192 sentences, grouped into 39 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 19 of Bullets & Billets?

Work through the 39 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 39 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 19 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 19 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Bullets & Billets

Common questions about reading Bullets & Billets by Bruce Bairnsfather on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Bullets & Billets?

Yes. All 2298 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #11232 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Bullets & Billets is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #11232, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Bullets & Billets take to read?

About 191 minutes of reading across 460 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Bullets & Billets section by section

How to work through Bullets & Billets section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 21 chapters of Bullets & Billets to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Bullets & Billets

Words and structures a reader meets early in Bullets & Billets, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Mud--a
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Bullets & Billets; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Trying
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Bullets & Billets; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
March--in
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Bullets & Billets; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Thick
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Bullets & Billets; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.