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 He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
agent
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From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
all
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From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
arms
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From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
attire
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From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
away
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From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
belong
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From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
business
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From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
call
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From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
cobwebby
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From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
contriving
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From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
cottage
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From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
cultured
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From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
dingy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
elegant
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From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
elms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
estate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
estimating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
face
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From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
forlorn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
gadding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
garden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
growth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
hemlock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
ITpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
latter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
lawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
locking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
luxuriant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
maples
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
mechanic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
musing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
picturesque
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
pitiful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
possibilities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
putting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
puzzled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
real
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
sharp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
strayed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
surveying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
tall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
tangle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
thinkingnounUS /thinking/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
Thornton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
top
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
trees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
value
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not a real estate agent estimating its value, nor a mechanic contriving how he might make it good as new; for his cultured face had not the sharp business look of the one, neither did his elegant attire belong to the latter.
vine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
vines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Mr. Thornton was musing upon the possibilities of the forlorn little house, thinking it pitiful that even houses, trees and vines should not make the most of themselves.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading What was there in the dingy, cobwebby place to call for so much thought as he seemed to be putting upon it?
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
woodbine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old place might have been picturesque in its day, but now the luxuriant growth of lawn and garden were all in a tangle; the maples and elms were locking arms, and that "gadding vine," the woodbine, had strayed away to the top of the tall hemlock.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading IT would have puzzled many of his friends to understand what possible interest Mr. Thornton could have had in the old cottage which he stood surveying.
