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AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
able
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From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
ALWAYS
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From this reading "AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED."
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED."
any
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From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
appealing
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From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
ask
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From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.
business
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From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.
cannot
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From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
case
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From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"
chanced
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From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
curious
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From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
difference
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From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
direction
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From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
give
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From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
habit
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From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
hand
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From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
harm
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From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
information
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
knowledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
marked
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From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
neednounUS /need/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
OTHER
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From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.
people
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From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
person
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
persons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
prominent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
reason
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
results
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From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.
Roberts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
Roberts's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
SHEpronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED."
strongly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
subject
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
supposingverbUS /səˈpoʊzɪŋ/
assuming something is true for the purpose of discussion
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
surenounUS /sure/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
systematic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
transacted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.
TRIED
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From this reading "AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED."
try
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From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.
ways
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"
WhereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"
working
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.
