Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading "It will be a real help to us if we are able to earn a little in this way."

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

a formal public statement

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

eagerly desirous

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

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

From this reading "You are so good, Mrs. Horton," Jessie exclaimed gratefully.

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

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

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

From this reading "It will be a real help to us if we are able to earn a little in this way."

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

of large size for its weight

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

a collection of things wrapped or boxed together

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages

From this reading "It will be a real help to us if we are able to earn a little in this way."

put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "You are so good, Mrs. Horton," Jessie exclaimed gratefully.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

in a willing manner

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

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

From this reading "You are so good, Mrs. Horton," Jessie exclaimed gratefully.

with appreciation; in a grateful manner

From this reading "You are so good, Mrs. Horton," Jessie exclaimed gratefully.

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

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading "It will be a real help to us if we are able to earn a little in this way."

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

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

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

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

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

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

of great significance or value

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

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

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

past form of “interview” — conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

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

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

most important element

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

by chance

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

many times at short intervals

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

the one or ones belonging to us

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

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

From this reading "It will be a real help to us if we are able to earn a little in this way."

appear again

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

joining or attaching by stitches

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

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

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

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

From this reading "It will be a real help to us if we are able to earn a little in this way."

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

undo the ties of

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "It will be a real help to us if we are able to earn a little in this way."

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "It will be a real help to us if we are able to earn a little in this way."

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

From this reading AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT The Hortons' place was some five miles below ours, if one followed the main road, but they were often passing the house on their way to and from the little country store and post-office.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

at the time that

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "It will be a real help to us if we are able to earn a little in this way."

in the company of; together with

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

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

From this reading "Maybe you won't feel so anxious to do it when you see what I've brought," the good woman said, as she proceeded to untie her bulky bundle.

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

From this reading So it was not surprising that Mrs. Horton should reappear in a few days with a large bundle of sewing of her own for Jessie to do, and the intelligence that she had interviewed several of the neighbors, some of whom had said that they would gladly employ Jessie.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You are so good, Mrs. Horton," Jessie exclaimed gratefully.