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Front Lines
Front Lines

Chapter I

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Context Illustration Reading 1/84 · 5 lines
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THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.
For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.
I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.
But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.
Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”
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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.

Front Lines

Chapter I

Reading 1/84 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.
Line 2
For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.
Line 3
I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.
Line 4
But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.
Line 5
Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.”

Every determiner US /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.””

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.”

Hear noun US /hear/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.””

Here noun US /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.””

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.””

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.”

Ought modal verb US /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading “But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.”

Running noun US /ˈrunning/

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

From this reading “THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.”

Second noun US /second/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.”

Speak noun US /speak/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.”

Themselves pronoun US /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading “For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.”

THESE determiner US /ðiːz/

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

From this reading “THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading “For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.”

Understand noun US /understand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.””

Whatever determiner US /ˌwʌˈtevər/

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading “Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.””

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.”

All words in this reading · 140

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 THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

all

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

ambitions

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

any

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

appreciate

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

awakening

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

bearing

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

best

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

better

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

bitter

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

book

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

bring

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

cause

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

cheerfully

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

clearly

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

deny

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

discontent

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

doing

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

entertainment

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

fact

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

feel

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

few

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

firing

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

game

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

gladly

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

hearnounUS /hear/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

home

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

hope

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

hours

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

how

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

idle

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

impress

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

infinitely

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

interest

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

labour

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

later

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

line

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

man

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

manifestations

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

many

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

means

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

men

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

now

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

off

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

offer

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

particular

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

people

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

period

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

picture

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

plain

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

playing

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

present

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

proofs

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

prove

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

read

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

readers

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

record

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

require

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

runningnounUS /ˈrunning/

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

second

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

seen

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

Service

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

some

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

Somme

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

sort

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

speak

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

spirit

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

stages

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

stir

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

strain

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

strike

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

Surely

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

tales

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

testimony

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

thankfully

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

THESEdeterminerUS /ðiːz/

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.

too

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

two

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

understandnounUS /understand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

unrest

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

utmost

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

very

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

war

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

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

weariness

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

whateverdeterminerUS /ˌwʌˈtevər/

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading For the book I have two ambitions—the first, that to my Service readers it may bring a few hours of interest and entertainment, may prove some sort of a picture and a record of what they themselves have been through; the second, that it may strike and impress and stir those people at home who even now clearly require awakening to all that war means.

willingly

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

work

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

worker

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

From this reading Surely by now every worker might appreciate the fact that whatever good cause they may have for “war weariness” they are at least infinitely better off than any man in the firing line; surely they can understand how bitter men here feel when they hear and read of all these manifestations of labour “discontent” and “unrest.”

workers

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

From this reading I know that a great many war workers have been, and still are, bearing cheerfully and willingly the long strain of war work, and I very gladly and thankfully offer my testimony to what I have seen of this good spirit.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading But it would be idle to deny, since the proofs have been too plain, that many war workers are not doing their best and utmost, are not playing the game as they might do and ought to do, and it is to these in particular I hope this book may speak.

written

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

From this reading THESE tales have been written over a period running from the later stages of the Somme to the present time.