Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

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

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

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

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

large and heavily armoured warship

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

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

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was just before the call to supper formation when England's coast loomed up.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading It was just before the call to supper formation when England's coast loomed up.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

-ing form of “cruise” — drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

true confidential information

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

without deviation

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

make a hole, especially with a pointed power or hand tool

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

relating to or concerned with electricity

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

plural of “engine” — motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

possessive form of “england” — a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

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

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

plural of “flag” — emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit

From this reading It was just before the call to supper formation when England's coast loomed up.

set up or found

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

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

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

United States musician who was the first to use the vibraphone as a jazz instrument (1913-2002)

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

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

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

a message describing how something is to be done

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

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

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was just before the call to supper formation when England's coast loomed up.

and nothing more

From this reading It was just before the call to supper formation when England's coast loomed up.

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 By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

past form of “loom” — come into view indistinctly, often threateningly

From this reading It was just before the call to supper formation when England's coast loomed up.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

understood perfectly

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

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

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

plural of “midshipman” — a temporary rank held by young naval officers in training

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

used to form the superlative

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

above and across; more than

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

a town in Massachusetts founded by Pilgrims in 1620

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

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

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

a partly sheltered anchorage

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

a statement of fundamental facts or principles

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

past form of “sail” — traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

able to see

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

move hurridly

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading It was just before the call to supper formation when England's coast loomed up.

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

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

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

in or at that place or location

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

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

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

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

From this reading By the time that England's coast was sighted the third-class middies found they knew much more about a battleship than they had believed to be possible at the start of the voyage.

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

a source of difficulty

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading It was just before the call to supper formation when England's coast loomed up.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

an act of traveling by water

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

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

From this reading During most of the voyage over slow cruising speed was used.

at the time that

From this reading It was just before the call to supper formation when England's coast loomed up.

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

From this reading They had served as firemen; they had mastered many of the electrical details of a battleship; they had received instruction and had "stood trick" by the engines; there had been some drill with the smaller, rapid-fire guns, and finally, they had learned at least the rudiments of "wig-wagging," as signaling by means of signal flags is termed.

in the company of; together with

From this reading IN TROUBLE ON FOREIGN SOIL From Hampton Roads the Battleship Squadron, with the midshipmen on board, sailed directly for Plymouth, England.