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Knock three-one-two
Knock three-one-two

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Knock three-one-two is here in full — 431 sentences across 87 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Knock three-one-two
Context Illustration Reading 1/86 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
_No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.
That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.
At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.
For convenience, for shorthand, it had boiled down to the psycho.
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Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Knock three-one-two

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Knock three-one-two is here in full — 431 sentences across 87 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/86 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.
Line 2
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.
Line 3
That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.
Line 4
At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.
Line 5
For convenience, for shorthand, it had boiled down to the psycho.
/fɔːr kənˈviːnjəns fɔːr ˈʃɔːrthænd ɪt hæd bɔɪld daʊn tuː ðə ˈsaɪkoʊ/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

Catalog noun US /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/

a book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things

From this reading “Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.”

designations noun US /ˌdezəɡˈneɪʃənz/

plural of “designation” — identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others

From this reading “At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.”

homicidal adjective US /ˌhɑːməˈsaɪdəl/

characteristic of or capable of or having a tendency toward killing another human being

From this reading “At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.”

inclusion noun US /ˌɪnˈkluːʒən/

the state of being included

From this reading “_No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.”

psycho noun US /ˈsaɪkoʊ/

a person afflicted with psychosis

From this reading “For convenience, for shorthand, it had boiled down to the psycho.”

psychopath noun US /ˈsaɪkoʊpæθ/

someone with a sociopathic personality; a person with an antisocial personality disorder (“psychopath” was once widely used but has now been superseded by “sociopath”)

From this reading “At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.”

reviewer noun US /riˈvjuːər/

someone who reads manuscripts and judges their suitability for publication

From this reading “_No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.”

shorthand noun US /ˈʃɔːrthænd/

a method of writing rapidly using an abbreviated symbolic system

From this reading “For convenience, for shorthand, it had boiled down to the psycho.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

under the title preposition + article + noun counted as “under … title”

In this reading “_No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.”

two months noun + noun counted as “two month”

In this reading “That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.”

without permission preposition + noun

In this reading “_No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.”

in connection preposition + noun

In this reading “_No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.”

appeared in verb + particle counted as “appear in”

In this reading “_No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.”

in writing preposition + noun

written or drawn or engraved

In this reading “_No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.”

All words in this reading · 100

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

10773

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

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

1959

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

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

59

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

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

AdventureverbUS /ædˈventʃər/

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

agoadverbUS /əˈɡoʊ/

in the past

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

boiledadjectiveUS /bɔɪld/

cooked in hot water

From this reading For convenience, for shorthand, it had boiled down to the psycho.

booknounUS /bʊk/

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

briefadjectiveUS /briːf/

of short duration or distance

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

broadcastverbUS /ˈbrɔːdkæst/

broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

BrownnounUS /braʊn/

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

callverbUS /kɔːl/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

CardnounUS /kɑːrd/

one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

CatalognounUS /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/

a book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

CongressnounUS /ˈkɑːŋɡrəs/

the legislature of the United States government

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

connectionnounUS /kəˈnekʃən/

a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

conveniencenounUS /kənˈviːnjəns/

the state of being suitable or opportune

From this reading For convenience, for shorthand, it had boiled down to the psycho.

designationsnounUS /ˌdezəɡˈneɪʃənz/

plural of “designation” — identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

doesn't

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

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading For convenience, for shorthand, it had boiled down to the psycho.

everyonepronounUS /ˈevriwʌn/

every person

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

Fredric

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

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

he'd

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

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

HighadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

homicidaladjectiveUS /ˌhɑːməˈsaɪdəl/

characteristic of or capable of or having a tendency toward killing another human being

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

inclusionnounUS /ˌɪnˈkluːʒən/

the state of being included

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

insaneadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈseɪn/

afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

issueverbUS /ˈɪʃuː/

prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

JunenounUS /dʒuːn/

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

LibrarynounUS /ˈlaɪbreriː/

a room where books are kept

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

magazinenounUS /ˈmæɡəziːn/

a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

maniacnounUS /ˈmeɪniæk/

an insane person

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

monthsnounUS /mʌnθs/

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

murderverbUS /ˈmɜːrdər/

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

newspapernounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpər/

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

newspapersnounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpərz/

plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

NightnounUS /naɪt/

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

NumbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 59-10773 By Fredric Brown He had a name, but it doesn't matter; call him _the psycho_.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

others

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

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

passagesnounUS /ˈpæsədʒəz/

plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

permissionnounUS /pərˈmɪʃən/

approval to do something

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

PsychonounUS /ˈsaɪkoʊ/

a person afflicted with psychosis

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

psychopathnounUS /ˈsaɪkoʊpæθ/

someone with a sociopathic personality; a person with an antisocial personality disorder (“psychopath” was once widely used but has now been superseded by “sociopath”)

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

publishernounUS /ˈpʌblɪʃər/

a firm in the publishing business

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

quoteverbUS /kwoʊt/

repeat a passage from

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

rapist-killer

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

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

readverbUS /red/

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

reproducedverbUS /ˌriːprəˈduːst/

past form of “reproduce” — make a copy or equivalent of

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

reviewnounUS /ˌriːˈvjuː/

a new appraisal or evaluation

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

reviewernounUS /riˈvjuːər/

someone who reads manuscripts and judges their suitability for publication

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

secondnounUS /ˈsekənd/

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

sexualadjectiveUS /ˈsekʃuːəl/

of or relating to or characterized by sexuality

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

shortenedadjectiveUS /ˈʃɔːrtənd/

cut short

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

shorthandnounUS /ˈʃɔːrthænd/

a method of writing rapidly using an abbreviated symbolic system

From this reading For convenience, for shorthand, it had boiled down to the psycho.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

That's

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

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

titlenounUS /ˈtaɪtəl/

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading At first he'd been called by various designations: insane rapist-killer, homicidal maniac, sexual psychopath, and others.

versionnounUS /ˈvɜːrʒən/

an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading That's what the newspapers and everyone who read them called him now, since his second murder two months ago.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

wishesnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪz/

plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

writingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/

the act of creating written works

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading _No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast._ A shortened version of this book appeared in the June issue of _High Adventure_, © 1959, under the title of _Night of the Psycho_.

Chapter 1 of Knock three-one-two by Fredric Brown holds 431 sentences, grouped into 87 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Knock three-one-two contain?

Chapter 1 holds 431 sentences of Knock three-one-two, unabridged, divided into 87 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Knock three-one-two by Fredric Brown exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 431 sentences, grouped into 87 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of Knock three-one-two?

Work through the 87 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 87 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Knock three-one-two

Common questions about reading Knock three-one-two by Fredric Brown on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Knock three-one-two?

Yes. All 0 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #? are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Knock three-one-two is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #?, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Knock three-one-two take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Knock three-one-two section by section

How to work through Knock three-one-two section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 0 chapters of Knock three-one-two to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Knock three-one-two

Words and structures a reader meets early in Knock three-one-two, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of Knock three-one-two, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
One of the 0 chapters of Knock three-one-two, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of Knock three-one-two, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.