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What Necessity Knows
What Necessity Knows

Chapter XXIX

Cover illustration for What Necessity Knows
Context Illustration Reading 1/34 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.
Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.
He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.
This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.
"What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

What Necessity Knows

Chapter XXIX

Reading 1/34 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.
Line 2
Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.
Line 3
He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.
Line 4
This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.
Line 5
"What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.

Learner Dictionary

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

Across preposition US /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading “He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.”

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.”

Foot noun US /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.”

Submit verb US /səbˈmɪt/

to accept another person's control or a difficult situation

From this reading “There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.”

Tell noun US /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.”

Thinking noun US /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.”

All words in this reading · 103

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

advice

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

Alec

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

From this reading "What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.

all

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

ankle

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

brother

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

catch

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

climbed

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

confessed

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

From this reading "What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.

conquered

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

contrary

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

darkness

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

day

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

days

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

destined

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

difficulties

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

ditch

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

explained

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

extent

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

fairly

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

field

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

footnounUS /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

happened

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

held

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

hill

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

hint

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

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

lady

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

lane

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

leftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

like

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

From this reading "What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

many

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

meagre

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

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

missed

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

more

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

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

now

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

prosaic

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

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

refuse

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

roadside

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

Robert

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

run

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading "What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.

slipped

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

some

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

sprain

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

sprained

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

subdued

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

submitverbUS /səbˈmɪt/

to accept another person's control or a difficult situation

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

taken

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

talked

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

From this reading "What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.

tellnounUS /tell/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

There

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

thinkingnounUS /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

Trenholme

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

turn

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

twisted

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

up

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

used

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Robert Trenholme, having climbed a hill after he had twisted his foot, and having, contrary to all advice, used it to some extent the next day, was now fairly conquered by the sprain and destined to be held by this foot for many long days.

way

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

From this reading This was told in the meagre, prosaic way that left no hint of there being more to tell.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "What is she like?" asked Alec, for he had confessed that he had talked to the lady.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

whompronounUS /huːm/

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

why

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

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He explained to his brother who the lady was whom he had taken up the hill, why he himself had first happened to be with her, and that he had slipped with one foot in a roadside ditch, and, thinking to catch her up, had run across a field and so missed the lane in the darkness.

world

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

From this reading There are many difficulties in this world which, if we refuse to submit to them, will in turn be subdued by us, but a sprained ankle is not one of them.