Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

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

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

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

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

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

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

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

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

a railroad employee responsible for a train's brakes

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

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

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

give expression to

From this reading THE EXPRESS SPECIAL.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

play in which children pretend to put out a fire

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

plural of “fireman” — play in which children pretend to put out a fire

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

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

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

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

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

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

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

someone employed in a stable to take care of the horses

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

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

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

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

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

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

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.

something that is lost

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.

plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

not often

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

hold back within

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.

a long thin implement made of metal or wood

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

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

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

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

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

get by special effort

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading THE EXPRESS SPECIAL.

not in physical motion

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

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

From this reading THE EXPRESS SPECIAL.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Still it was a rule that firemen should be taken from the round-house and Rod knew by this time that railroad rules are rarely broken.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

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

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

activity leading to skilled behavior

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

elected vice president in Roosevelt's 4th term; became 33rd President of the United States on Roosevelt's death in 1945 and was elected President in 1948; authorized the use of atomic bombs against Japan (1884-1972)

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

inflected form of “undergo” — pass through

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

precisely as stated

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

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

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Nothing further was said at the time concerning Rod's most cherished scheme and as Brakeman Joe reported for duty that very day Rod was at a loss to know what he should do next.

a worker who wipes

From this reading He doubted if Truman Stump could command sufficient influence to secure his appointment as fireman before he had undergone a preliminary training as wiper and hostler in the round-house, though he felt that he already possessed experience as valuable as any to be gained in those positions.

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

From this reading Of course he could not retain Joe's position now that the latter had returned to it, and he would not if he could.