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 TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
admit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
alonenounUS /alone/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
amongstprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋst/
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
begins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
blessing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
Broadstairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
Burford
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From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
children
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
Christmas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
comfortably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
DWARFnounUS /dwɔːrf/
in traditional stories, a small humanlike being with magical qualities
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
expectverbUS /ɪkˈspekt/
to think that something will happen
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
following
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
former
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
fret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
happy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
hopefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
ITpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
keep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
low
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
makes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
MEETS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
Nellie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
obliged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
oh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
parents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
post
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
promised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
returns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
settle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
she'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
slip
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
spirits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
stronger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
supper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
Thursday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
TOM
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
trusted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
try
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading TOM MEETS THE DWARF IT was on a Thursday that Mrs. Burford and Nellie went to Broadstairs, and the evening of the following day saw the former at home again.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "When she makes friends amongst the other children and begins to get stronger I expect she'll settle down comfortably and not fret," she said hopefully; "as I told her, the time will soon slip by to Christmas, and then—oh, think what a blessing it will be if she returns to us well and strong!"
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had had supper with his parents, and now was alone with his mother, his father having left the house to post a letter.
won't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Yes, won't it?" said Tom.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nellie had been in very low spirits when she had left her, Mrs. Burford was obliged to admit, but the little girl had promised to try to be happy and was to be trusted to keep her word.
Yes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Yes, won't it?" said Tom.
