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 They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
abandoned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
aid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading III Nellie was off as she gave the word.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
Beat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Beat it!” cried Nellie.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
Bob
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
Burgess's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
caught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
convict
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
criednounUS /cried/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Beat it!” cried Nellie.
cross-alley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
dodged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
Drake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
escape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
former
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
gait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading III Nellie was off as she gave the word.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
III
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading III Nellie was off as she gave the word.
importance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
incredible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
involved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Beat it!” cried Nellie.
keeping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
lively
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
main
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
narrower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
Nellie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Beat it!” cried Nellie.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading III Nellie was off as she gave the word.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
paths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
predicament
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
prime
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
ran
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading III Nellie was off as she gave the word.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
sprinted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
strucknounUS /struck/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
swiftness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading III Nellie was off as she gave the word.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
thoroughfare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
vanished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading III Nellie was off as she gave the word.
wedding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in Burgess’s mind that it was of prime importance that Drake should escape--it was to aid the former convict that he had involved himself in this predicament; and even if the wedding had to be abandoned and the girl left behind it was better than for them all to be caught.
well-beaten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading III Nellie was off as she gave the word.
yard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They struck a well-beaten cross-alley--a main thoroughfare of the yard--and sprinted off at a lively gait.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was keeping as close as possible to Bob, but the young man ran with incredible swiftness; and he now dodged into one of the narrower paths and vanished.
