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 PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
admiring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
Allan
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From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
applauding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
arm
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From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
Arthur
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
aside
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From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
ask
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From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
astounding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
astuteness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
boasting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
Boswell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
bungler
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
button-hole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
certain
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From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
circumstances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
Conan
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From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
confidencenounUS /ˈconfidence/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
convincing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
created
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
crime
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
dear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
detaining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
detective
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
detectives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
doubt
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From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
Doyle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
drawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
ecstasies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
Edgar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
exclamation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
EXPLANATIONS
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From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
failures
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
familiar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
following
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
forefinger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
friend's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
FromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
happens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
hook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
inexplicablenounUS /inexplicable/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
interested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
leading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
like
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From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
link
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From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
madam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
manner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
marvellous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
method
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
Morrison
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
mouth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
mystery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
narrative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
narratives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
note
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
novel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
novelist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
occasionally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
opinion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
original
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
otherwise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
pages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
passes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
pen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
penetration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
PERSONAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
Poe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
presumably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
process
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
questionnounUS /ˈquestion/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
read
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
reader
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
readers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
real
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
reasoning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
recent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
record
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
respectful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
reverse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
sir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
somewhat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
stories
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
successes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
telling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
theirspronounUS /ðerz/
the one or ones belonging to them
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/
except if; if not
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
unlikely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
unravel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
WepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS We often read of a novelist “taking the reader into his confidence,” but at this point of my narrative I should like to reverse the process, and ask my readers to take me into theirs.
Wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading And as it is not unlikely that you have your own opinion as to what a detective should or should not do under certain circumstances, I ask you at this point of my narrative to take me into your confidence and let me put to you the following question.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading You know the detectives who have been drawn--or rather created--by Edgar Allan Poe, and in more recent times by Dr. Conan Doyle and Mr. Arthur Morrison--detectives who unravel for us, link by link, in the most astounding and convincing manner, and by some original method of reasoning, an otherwise inexplicable mystery or crime.
wonder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And you know too the familiar bungler who is always boasting about his astuteness, unless, as occasionally happens (but only in the pages of a detective novel, for in real life our friends are more ready to record our failures than our successes), he has some applauding Boswell--a human note of exclamation--who passes his life in ecstasies of admiring wonder at his friend’s marvellous penetration.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Were I telling my story by word of mouth instead of by pen, I should lay a respectful hand, my dear madam, upon your arm, or hook a detaining forefinger, my dear sir, into your button-hole, and, leading you aside for a few minutes, should put the matter to you somewhat in this way: “From the fact of your following my record thus far, you are presumably interested in detective stories, and have no doubt read many narratives of the sort.
