Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading "I'm sorry," he said, "but I can't go.

clothing in general

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

demanding attention

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

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

From this reading I was sure something was, but didn't know what.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading "I'm sorry," he said, "but I can't go.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

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

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

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

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading "I'm sorry," he said, "but I can't go.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

to some (great or small) extent

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I was sure something was, but didn't know what.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

by chance

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

in motion

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

no person; not anyone

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

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

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I'm sorry," he said, "but I can't go.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

the act of closing something

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

a person, without saying who

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading I was sure something was, but didn't know what.

in or at or to some place

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

From this reading "I'm sorry," he said, "but I can't go.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

straighten up or out; make straight

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading I was sure something was, but didn't know what.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

in or at that place or location

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

a special situation

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

male cat

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

possessive form of “tom” — male cat

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

in the direction of

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

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

From this reading I knocked at Tom's door, and waited and nobody answered, and Little Jim and I listened to see what we could hear, but all I could hear was somebody moving around inside like whoever it was was in a hurry--like maybe there had been some things on the floor and they were in a hurry to straighten up the room or the house on account of company was coming.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The next thing I knew the door opened in front of me and there stood Little red-haired Tom, with his hair mussed up, and his old clothes on, and his eyes were kinda reddish, and it looked like he had been crying.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading Then I heard a door shutting somewhere in the house, and I knew it was the door between their living-room and kitchen, then I heard footsteps coming toward our door, and I wondered what was wrong.