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 Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
abroad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
acre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
BeforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
cut
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
diverted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
double
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
employment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
fenced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
flat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
following
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
got
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
ground
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
grow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
heavy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
hedge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
HoweveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
island
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
labour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
living
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
loud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
months
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
mouth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
observing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
occupations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
parrot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
pieces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
Poll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
prepare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
pretty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
quick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
quickly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
rained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
repair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
requirednounUS /required/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
season
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
seed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
sorry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
sow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
sowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
spade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
speak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
spoken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
stakes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
talking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
taught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
teaching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
want
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But first I was to prepare more land, for I had now seed enough to sow above an acre of ground.
week's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
wet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This work did not take me up less than three months, because a great part of that time was the wet season, when I could not go abroad.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
Within-doors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
wood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within-doors, that is when it rained and I could not go out, I found employment in the following occupations—always observing, that all the while I was at work I diverted myself with talking to my parrot, and teaching him to speak; and I quickly taught him to know his own name, and at last to speak it out pretty loud, “Poll,” which was the first word I ever heard spoken in the island by any mouth but my own.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before I did this, I had a week’s work at least to make me a spade, which, when it was done, was but a sorry one indeed, and very heavy, and required double labour to work with it.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
year's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, I got through that, and sowed my seed in two large flat pieces of ground, as near my house as I could find them to my mind, and fenced them in with a good hedge, the stakes of which were all cut off that wood which I had set before, and knew it would grow; so that, in a year’s time, I knew I should have a quick or living hedge, that would want but little repair.
