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 “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
afternoonnounUS /ˈafternoon/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have had so many calls that my money is all used up.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
answerednounUS /ˈanswered/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading “Well,” answered Gus, “I can’t pay you this month.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
busy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
calls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have had so many calls that my money is all used up.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well,” answered Gus, “I can’t pay you this month.
chance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
counter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
crowd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
customers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
Gus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I have had so many calls that my money is all used up.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
hopes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
hung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
luck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have had so many calls that my money is all used up.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
money
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have had so many calls that my money is all used up.
month
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well,” answered Gus, “I can’t pay you this month.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
overcoat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
pay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well,” answered Gus, “I can’t pay you this month.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
ramrod
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
Sam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
speak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
store
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
used
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I have had so many calls that my money is all used up.
wanted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
Well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading “Well?” said Sam, when the boy came out of the office and took his place behind the counter.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
wouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I was in hopes we should be kept so busy this afternoon that Sam wouldn’t have a chance to speak to me,” thought Gus, as he made his way to the office and hung up his hat and overcoat, “but it is just my luck.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading If I wanted a few minutes rest the store would be so full of customers that you couldn’t crowd a ramrod in among them.”
