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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
accident
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From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
agreed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
Airlie
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From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
Alan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
beating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading I was in the long street of Queensferry before the sun was up.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
Bonnie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
bottom
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From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
COMEnounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I COME TO MR.
comes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
coming
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From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
commonly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
dawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
den
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
dying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
favourite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
fend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
fields
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
finger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
fragmentnounUS /ˈfræɡ.mənt/
A small part broken or separated off something larger.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
grey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
grow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
Highland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
House
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I COME TO MR.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
lie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
likely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was in the long street of Queensferry before the sun was up.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
measure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
minepronounUS /maɪn/
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
MR
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I COME TO MR.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
naught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
Newhalls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
objected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
ploughman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
proposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
Queensferry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was in the long street of Queensferry before the sun was up.
RANKEILLOR
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
roadside
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
run
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
signal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
sitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
stir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
street
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was in the long street of Queensferry before the sun was up.
sun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was in the long street of Queensferry before the sun was up.
sunset
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
takes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
taught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
TOparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I COME TO MR.
uncertainty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
whistlenounUS /ˈwhistle/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
whistling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading RANKEILLOR The next day it was agreed that Alan should fend for himself till sunset; but as soon as it began to grow dark, he should lie in the fields by the roadside near to Newhalls, and stir for naught until he heard me whistling.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading At first I proposed I should give him for a signal the “Bonnie House of Airlie,” which was a favourite of mine; but he objected that as the piece was very commonly known, any ploughman might whistle it by accident; and taught me instead a little fragment of a Highland air, which has run in my head from that day to this, and will likely run in my head when I lie dying.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Every time it comes to me, it takes me off to that last day of my uncertainty, with Alan sitting up in the bottom of the den, whistling and beating the measure with a finger, and the grey of the dawn coming on his face.
