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Down the Slope
Down the Slope

Chapter VI

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Context Illustration Reading 1/30 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.
The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.
"It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.
"I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.
It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."
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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.

Down the Slope

Chapter VI

Reading 1/30 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.
Line 2
The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.
Line 3
"It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.
Line 4
"I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.
Line 5
It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

Learner Dictionary

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

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."”

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.”

DUTY noun US /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading “ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.”

Here noun US /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.”

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “"It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.”

Order noun US /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.”

Plainly noun US /ˈplainly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.”

Point noun US /pɔɪnt/

the main matter or purpose being discussed

From this reading “ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.”

Right noun US /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading “It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."”

All words in this reading · 96

Every word is available to listen to. 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 ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

angry

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

better

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

boys

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

breaking

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

building

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

came

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

direction

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

distance

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

distinctness

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.

doesn't

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

don't

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

From this reading "I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.

DUTYnounUS /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

ears

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

far

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

Fred

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

full

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

glass

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

house

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading "I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

isn't

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

judge

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.

likely

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

lumber

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

men

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

mingled

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

mob

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

Mr

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

much

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

near

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

necessary

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

now

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

ordernounUS /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

pass

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

plainlynounUS /ˈplainly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

the main matter or purpose being discussed

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

pointed

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

reach

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

respectful

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

rightnounUS /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

said

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

seem

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

seen

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

service

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

shouts

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

some

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

spot

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

From this reading "I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.

stay

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

stop

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

store

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

surrounded

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

there

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

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

very

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

view

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading "I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading "It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."

Wright's

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.

yard

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

From this reading ON DUTY In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly.