Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

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

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

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

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

an occurrence of something

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

causing one to believe the truth of something

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is even in the daytime.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is even in the daytime.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

inflected form of “eat” — take in solid food

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

divisible by two

From this reading We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is even in the daytime.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is even in the daytime.

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

past form of “hoist” — raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is even in the daytime.

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

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

cause to arise

From this reading We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is even in the daytime.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is even in the daytime.

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

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is even in the daytime.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading We should induce them to land here, and we know how dangerous that is even in the daytime.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

absolutely essential

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

not any; not one

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

go across or through

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

on the contrary

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

only a very short time before

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

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

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

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

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

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

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

a source of difficulty

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

look attentively

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

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

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

at the time that

From this reading When, supper having been eaten, preparations were made for the night, Neal insisted that one of the party should remain on guard during the hours of darkness, in order to watch for the boats, and Jake had no slight trouble in convincing him that it was not absolutely necessary.

in or at the place that

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

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

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading I had rather let them pass without knowing where we are, than to be the innocent cause of a second disaster."

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

From this reading "We couldn't see their lights half a mile away if they have any hoisted, which isn't likely, for the oil must be scarce by this time," the engineer said, "and, in case we did sight them, what good would it do?