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 They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
become
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
Brainerd
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From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
care
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
compelled
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From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
concealed
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From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
considerably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
cross
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
distance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
disturbance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
extreme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
farther
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
former
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
forwardnounUS /forward/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
Fred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
Indian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
Indians
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
isn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
issue
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From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
minute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
moved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
patch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
pick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
protest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
reconnoissance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
river
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
safe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
saveprepositionUS /seɪv/
except for; apart from
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
saying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
scout
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
slight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
son
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
stealthily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
stoppednounUS /stopped/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
undertake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was necessary, as our friends thought, to go considerably farther up, before it would be at all safe to cross the river.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
Wait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
wandering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading And before Mr. Brainerd could protest, his son moved forward, as stealthily as an Indian scout, while the former concealed himself until the issue of the reconnoissance should become known.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
won't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Wait a minute or two, until I find out what it means," said Fred; "it will save time to go through there, but it won't do to undertake it if it isn't safe."
woods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The two were compelled to pick their way with extreme care, for there was no saying when some of the wandering Indians would come upon them.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading They were yet some distance from the point, when a slight disturbance was heard in a patch of woods in front, and they stopped.
