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Sketches of Gotham
Sketches of Gotham

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Sketches of Gotham is here in full — 401 sentences across 81 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/80 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....
A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50
She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke hop 78
There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118
She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Sketches of Gotham

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Sketches of Gotham is here in full — 401 sentences across 81 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/80 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....
/ə kəˈlekʃən ʌv əˈnjuːʒuːəl ˈstɔːriz toʊld ɪn æn ʌn ˈjuːʒəwəl weɪ/
Line 2
A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50
Line 3
She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smokehop78
Line 4
There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118
Line 5
She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

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.

capers noun US /ˈkeɪpərz/

plural of “caper” — any of numerous plants of the genus Capparis

From this reading “She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78”

fandango noun US /fænˈdæŋɡoʊ/

a provocative Spanish courtship dance in triple time; performed by a man and a woman playing castanets

From this reading “She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156”

knockout noun US /ˈnɑːkaʊt/

a very attractive or seductive looking woman

From this reading “A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50”

posed adjective US /poʊzd/

arranged for pictorial purposes

From this reading “There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118”

Rackets noun US /ˈrækəts/

plural of “racket” — a loud and disturbing noise

From this reading “She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78”

Sam's noun US /sæmz/

possessive form of “sam” — a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

scantily adverb US /ˈskæntəli/

in a skimpy manner

From this reading “There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118”

spectacular adjective US /spekˈtækjələr/

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading “A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50”

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.

physical culture adjective + noun

In this reading “A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50”

six feet noun + noun counted as “six foot”

In this reading “She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78”

young woman adjective + noun

a young female

In this reading “There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118”

pretty girls adjective + noun counted as “pretty girl”

In this reading “She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78”

behind the scenes preposition + article + noun counted as “behind … scene”

In this reading “A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50”

on the beach preposition + article + noun counted as “on … beach”

In this reading “A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50”

real thing adjective + noun

informal usage attributing authenticity

In this reading “A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50”

at auction preposition + noun

In this reading “She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156”

All words in this reading · 148

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.

100

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

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

108

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

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

118

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

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

12

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

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

128

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

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

146

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

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

156

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

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

18

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

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

28

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

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

38

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

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

50

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

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

60

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

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

68

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

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

78

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

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

90

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

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

AmericannounUS /əˈmerəkən/

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

attractionnounUS /əˈtrækʃən/

the force by which one object attracts another

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

auctionnounUS /ˈɑːkʃən/

a variety of bridge in which tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game; now generally superseded by contract bridge

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

beachnounUS /biːtʃ/

an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

bidverbUS /bɪd/

propose a payment

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

boynounUS /bɔɪ/

a youthful male person

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

calmlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmli/

with self-possession (especially in times of stress)

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

capersnounUS /ˈkeɪpərz/

plural of “caper” — any of numerous plants of the genus Capparis

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

carnounUS /kɑːr/

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

cheerverbUS /tʃɪr/

give encouragement to

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

chickennounUS /ˈtʃɪkən/

the flesh of a chicken used for food

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

cigarettenounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈet/

finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

cladadjectiveUS /klæd/

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

collectionnounUS /kəˈlekʃən/

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

crownnounUS /kraʊn/

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

culturenounUS /ˈkʌltʃər/

a particular society at a particular time and place

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

cutverbUS /kʌt/

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

dancenounUS /dæns/

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

dancedverbUS /dænst/

past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

disclosedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskloʊzd/

made known (especially something secret or concealed)

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

DisguisedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈɡaɪzd/

having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

dollarnounUS /ˈdɑːlər/

the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

dosenounUS /doʊs/

a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

dropsnounUS /drɑːps/

plural of “drop” — a shape that is spherical and small

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

fandangonounUS /fænˈdæŋɡoʊ/

a provocative Spanish courtship dance in triple time; performed by a man and a woman playing castanets

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

feetnounUS /fiːt/

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

fightsnounUS /faɪts/

plural of “fight” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

figurenounUS /ˈfɪɡjər/

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

floornounUS /flɔːr/

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

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

girlsnounUS /ɡɜːrlz/

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

handsnounUS /hændz/

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

hatnounUS /hæt/

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

helpedverbUS /helpt/

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnəst/

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

hopverbUS /hɑːp/

jump lightly

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

hoursnounUS /ˈaʊərz/

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

how

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

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

kickverbUS /kɪk/

drive or propel with the foot

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

knockoutnounUS /ˈnɑːkaʊt/

a very attractive or seductive looking woman

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/

apprehended with certainty

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

lightedadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪtəd/

set afire or burning

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

lovenounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

malenounUS /meɪl/

an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

meetingnounUS /ˈmiːtɪŋ/

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

MexicansnounUS /ˈmeksɪkənz/

plural of “mexican” — a native or inhabitant of Mexico

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

musicnounUS /ˈmjuːzɪk/

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

physicaladjectiveUS /ˈfɪzɪkəl/

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

picturenounUS /ˈpɪktʃər/

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

posedadjectiveUS /poʊzd/

arranged for pictorial purposes

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

prettyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪti/

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

promptlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːmptli/

with little or no delay

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

provedadjectiveUS /pruːvd/

established beyond doubt

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

RacketsnounUS /ˈrækəts/

plural of “racket” — a loud and disturbing noise

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

realadjectiveUS /riːl/

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

sailornounUS /ˈseɪlər/

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

Sam'snounUS /sæmz/

possessive form of “sam” — a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

satnounUS /sæt/

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

scantilyadverbUS /ˈskæntəli/

in a skimpy manner

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

scenesnounUS /siːnz/

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

sculptornounUS /ˈskʌlptər/

an artist who creates sculptures

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

shippedverbUS /ʃɪpt/

inflected form of “ship” — transport commercially

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

shipsnounUS /ʃɪps/

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

sixnounUS /sɪks/

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

smokenounUS /smoʊk/

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

smokingnounUS /ˈsmoʊkɪŋ/

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

spectacularadjectiveUS /spekˈtækjələr/

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

storiesnounUS /ˈstɔːriz/

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

superbadjectiveUS /sʊˈpɜːrb/

of surpassing excellence

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

swellverbUS /swel/

increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

teachingnounUS /ˈtiːtʃɪŋ/

the profession of a teacher

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

ThereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

thingnounUS /θɪŋ/

a special situation

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

toldverbUS /toʊld/

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

trussedadjective

bound or secured closely

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

turningnounUS /ˈtɜːrnɪŋ/

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

unnounUS /ʌn/

an organization of independent states formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

UnclenounUS /ˈʌŋkəl/

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

untrueadjectiveUS /ənˈtruː/

not according with the facts

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

unusualadjectiveUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəl/

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

voicesnounUS /ˈvɔɪsəz/

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A collection of unusual stories told in an un- usual way ....

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading She has been known to kick the crown of a hat held six feet from the floor 60 Rackets where pretty girls cut capers to the music of male voices 68 He often made an honest dollar teaching American women how to smoke “hop” 78

wonnounUS /wʌn/

the basic unit of money in South Korea

From this reading She put herself up at auction and was promptly bid on 128 She went into the smoking car and calmly lighted a cigarette She had one or two fights on her hands, but she always won out 146 She had danced the fandango in a way that made the Mexicans cheer 156

wonderfuladjectiveUS /ˈwʌndərfəl/

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading A spectacular dance which helped her in meeting people 12 Her swell figure made her an attraction on the beach 18 She was once the real thing on physical culture 28 A dose of knockout drops proved the turning point in her life 38 A wonderful but untrue picture of love behind the scenes 50

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading There was disclosed the figure of a young woman rather scantily clad 90 She had such a superb figure that she once posed for a sculptor 100 Disguised as a sailor boy she shipped on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 108 For three solid hours he sat there trussed up like a chicken 118

Chapter 1 of Sketches of Gotham by Ike Swift holds 401 sentences, grouped into 81 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 Sketches of Gotham contain?

Chapter 1 holds 401 sentences of Sketches of Gotham, unabridged, divided into 81 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Sketches of Gotham by Ike Swift exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 401 sentences, grouped into 81 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 Sketches of Gotham?

Work through the 81 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 81 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 Sketches of Gotham

Common questions about reading Sketches of Gotham by Ike Swift on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Sketches of Gotham?

Yes. All 3355 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #61454 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Sketches of Gotham is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #61454, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Sketches of Gotham take to read?

About 279 minutes of reading across 671 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Sketches of Gotham section by section

How to work through Sketches of Gotham section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 8 chapters of Sketches of Gotham 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 Sketches of Gotham

Words and structures a reader meets early in Sketches of Gotham, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Collection
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches of Gotham; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Unusual
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches of Gotham; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stories
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches of Gotham; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Usual
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches of Gotham; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.