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Definitions of Commonly Misunderstood Terms

by Mike Jones, edited by David Bruce Hughes

How to use this document


This document has four sections: Commonly Misunderstood Wordslisted in alphabetical order Parts of Speecha word can have different meanings as a verb, adjective, etc. The Elements of Syntaxhow the words are used in the sentence Punctuationthe meanings of common punctuation symbols

Commonly misunderstood words are words that almost everyone thinks they know, but if asked, cannot define. The parts of speech and elements of syntax are how the word is used in the sentence, and the punctuation symbols are delimiters that indicate the boundaries of phrases, sentences and other expressions. The meaning of language is conveyed through all four of these categories, therefore the exact definitions of all of them are important. Vedic writing is very precise. It is more like mathematics than ordinary English prose. The original Sanskrit mantras on which the translations of the Esoteric Teaching are based are extremely sophisticated in their constructionso much so that it is certain that the origin of the Vedas is a superhuman intelligence. Therefore it is very important that we are exact in our interpretation of their meanings, otherwise the result will be that we are unable to apply the Vedic teachings. The best way to use this document is to take a passage of text, such as the sample document we supply for study purposes, and look up each and every small word in the definitions below. You can also use the online dictionary recommended in the tools section. You should also identify the part of speech and the syntactical function of each small word. Also look up the meaning of each punctuation symbol until you are familiar with their definitions.

Commonly Misunderstood Words


A: indefinite article 1. not any particular or certain one of a class or group: a man; a chemical; a house.

2. a certain; a particular: one at a time; two of a kind; A Miss Johnson called. 3. another; one typically resembling: a Cicero in eloquence; a Jonah. 4. one (used before plural nouns that are preceded by a quantifier singular in form): a hundred men (compare hundreds of men); a dozen times (compare dozens of times). 5. indefinitely or nonspecifically (used with adjectives expressing number): a great many years; a few stars. 6. one (used before a noun expressing quantity): a yard of ribbon; a score of times. 7. any; a single: not a one. preposition each; every; per: ten cents a sheet; three times a day. After: preposition 1. behind in place or position; following behind: men lining up one after the other. 2. later in time than; in succession to; at the close of: Tell me after supper. Day after day he came to work late. 3. subsequent to and in consequence of: After what has happened, I can never return. 4. below in rank or excellence; nearest to: Milton is usually placed after Shakespeare among English poets. 5. in imitation of or in imitation of the style of: to make something after a model; fashioned after Raphael. 6. in pursuit or search of; with or in desire for: I'm after a better job. Run after him! 7. concerning; about: to inquire after a person. 8. with the name of; for: He was named after his uncle. 9. in proportion to; in accordance with: He was a man after the hopes and expectations of his father. 10. according to the nature of; in conformity with; in agreement or unison with: He was a man after my own heart. He swore after the manner of his faith. 11. subsequent to and notwithstanding; in spite of: After all their troubles, they still manage to be optimistic. adverb 12. behind; in the rear: Jill came tumbling after. 13. later in time; afterward: three hours after; happily ever after. adjective 14. later in time; next; subsequent; succeeding: In after years we never heard from him. 15. Nautical, Aeronautics. a. farther aft.

b. located closest to the stern or tail; aftermost: after hold; after mast. c. including the stern or tail: the after part of a hull. conjunction 16. subsequent to the time that: after the boys left. idiom 18. after all, despite what has occurred or been assumed previously; nevertheless: I've discovered I can attend the meeting after all. Although: conjunction in spite of the fact that; even though; though. Am: verb. First person singular present indicative of be. An: indefinite article the form of a before an initial vowel sound (an arch; an honor) and sometimes, esp. in British English, before an initial unstressed syllable beginning with a silent or weakly pronounced h: an historian. And: conjunction 1. (used to connect grammatically coordinate words, phrases, or clauses) along or together with; as well as; in addition to; besides; also; moreover: pens and pencils. 2. added to; plus: 2 and 2 are 4. 3. then: He read for an hour and went to bed. 4. also, at the same time: to sleep and dream. 5. then again; repeatedly: He coughed and coughed. 6. (used to imply different qualities in things having the same name): There are bargains and bargains, so watch out. 7. (used to introduce a sentence, implying continuation) also; then: And then it happened. 8. Informal. to (used between two finite verbs): Try and do it. Call and see if she's home yet. 9. (used to introduce a consequence or conditional result): He felt sick and decided to lie down for a while. Say one more word about it and I'll scream.

10. but; on the contrary: He tried to run five miles and couldn't. They said they were about to leave and then stayed for two more hours. 11. (used to connect alternatives): He felt that he was being forced to choose between his career and his family. 12. (used to introduce a comment on the preceding clause): They don't like each otherand with good reason. 13. Archaic. if: and you please. Compare an 2 . noun 14. an added condition, stipulation, detail, or particular: He accepted the job, no ands or buts about it. 15. conjunction (def. 5b). idioms 16. and so forth, and the like; and others; et cetera: We discussed traveling, sightseeing, and so forth. 17. and so on, and more things or others of a similar kind; and the like: It was a summer filled with parties, picnics, and so on. As: adverb 1. to the same degree, amount, or extent; similarly; equally: I don't think it's as hot and humid today as it was yesterday. 2. for example; for instance: Some flowers, as the rose, require special care. 3. thought to be or considered to be: the square as distinct from the rectangle; the church as separate from the state. 4. in the manner (directed, agreed, promised, etc.): She sang as promised. He left as agreed. conjunction 5. (used correlatively after an adjective or adverb prec. by an adverbial phrase, the adverbial as, or another adverb) to such a degree or extent that: It came out the same way as it did before. You are as good as you think you are. 6. (without antecedent) in the degree, manner, etc., of or that: She's good as gold. Do as we do. 7. at the same time that; while; when: as you look away. 8. since; because: As you are leaving last, please turn out the lights. 9. though: Questionable as it may be, we will proceed. 10. with the result or purpose: He said it in a voice so loud as to make everyone stare. 11. Informal. (in dependent clauses) that: I don't know as I do. 12. Midland and Southern U.S. and British Dialect. than. pronoun 13. (used relatively) that; who; which (usually prec. by such or the same): I have the same trouble as

you had. 14. a fact that: She did her job well, as can be proved by the records. 15. New England, Midland, and Southern U.S. who; whom; which; that: Them as has gets. preposition 16. in the role, function, or status of: to act as leader. idioms 17. as as, (used to express similarity or equality in a specified characteristic, condition, etc., as between one person or thing and another): as rich as Croesus. 18. as far as, to the degree or extent that: It is an excellent piece of work, as far as I can tell. 19. as for or to, with respect to; in reference to: As for staying away, I wouldn't think of it. 20. as good as, a. equivalent to; in effect; practically: as good as new. b. true to; trustworthy as: as good as his word. 21. as how, Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S. that; if; whether: He allowed as how it was none of my business. I don't know as how I ought to interfere. 22. as if or though, as it would be if: It was as if the world had come to an end. 23. as is, in whatever condition something happens to be, esp. referring to something offered for sale in a flawed, damaged, or used condition: We bought the table as is. 24. as it were, in a way; so to speak: He became, as it were, a man without a country. 25. as long as. long 1 (def. 39). 26. as of, beginning on; on and after; from: This price is effective as of June 23. 27. as regards, with regard or reference to; concerning: As regards the expense involved, it is of no concern to him. 28. as such, a. as being what is indicated; in that capacity: An officer of the law, as such, is entitled to respect. b. in itself or in themselves: The position, as such, does not appeal to him, but the salary is a lure. 29. as well. well 1 (def. 18). 30. as well as. well 1 (def. 19). 31. as yet, up to the present time; until now: As yet, no one has thought of a solution. Be: verb and auxiliary verb, present singular 1st person am, 2nd are or (Archaic) art, 3rd is, present plural are; past singular 1st person was, 2nd were or (Archaic) wast or wert, 3rd was, past plural were; present subjunctive be; past subjunctive singular 1st person were, 2nd were or (Archaic) wert, 3rd were; past subjunctive plural were; past participle been; present participle being.

verb (used without object) 1. to exist or live: Shakespeare's To be or not to be is the ultimate question. 2. to take place; happen; occur: The wedding was last week. 3. to occupy a place or position: The book is on the table. 4. to continue or remain as before: Let things be. 5. to belong; attend; befall: May good fortune be with you. 6. (used as a copula to connect the subject with its predicate adjective, or predicate nominative, in order to describe, identify, or amplify the subject): Martha is tall. John is president. This is she. 7. (used as a copula to introduce or form interrogative or imperative sentences): Is that right? Be quiet! Don't be facetious. auxiliary verb 8. (used with the present participle of another verb to form the progressive tense): I am waiting. 9. (used with the present participle or infinitive of the principal verb to indicate future action): She is visiting there next week. He is to see me today. 10. (used with the past participle of another verb to form the passive voice): The date was fixed. It must be done. 11. (used in archaic or literary constructions with some intransitive verbs to form the perfect tense): He is come. Agamemnon to the wars is gone. Because: conjunction 1. for the reason that; due to the fact that: The boy was absent because he was ill. idiom 2. because of, by reason of; due to: Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall. Been: Past participle of be. Before: preposition 1. previous to; earlier or sooner than: Phone me before noon. 2. in front of; ahead of; in advance of: his shadow advancing before him; She stood before the window. 3. ahead of; in the future of; awaiting: The golden age is before us. 4. in preference to; rather than: They would die before surrendering. 5. in precedence of, as in order or rank: We put freedom before wealth.

6. in the presence or sight of: to appear before an audience. 7. less than; until: used in indicating the exact time: It's ten before three. 8. under the jurisdiction or consideration of: He was summoned before a magistrate. 9. confronted by; in the face of: Before such wild accusations, he was too stunned to reply. 10. in the regard of: a crime before God and humanity. 11. under the overwhelming influence of: bending before the storm. 12. without figuring or deducting: income before deductions. adverb 13. in front; in advance; ahead: The king entered with macebearers walking before. 14. in time preceding; previously: If we'd known before, we'd have let you know. 15. earlier or sooner: Begin at noon, not before. conjunction 16. previous to the time when: Send the telegram before we go. 17. sooner than; rather than: I will die before I submit. Being: noun 1. the fact of existing; existence (as opposed to nonexistence). 2. conscious, mortal existence; life: Our being is as an instantaneous flash of light in the midst of eternal night. 3. substance or nature: of such a being as to arouse fear. 4. something that exists: inanimate beings. 5. a living thing: strange, exotic beings that live in the depths of the sea. 6. a human being; person: the most beautiful being you could imagine. 7. (initial capital letter) God. 8. Philosophy. a. that which has actuality either materially or in idea. b. absolute existence in a complete or perfect state, lacking no essential characteristic; essence. conjunction 9. Nonstandard. since; because; considering that (often fol. by as, as how, or that): Being it's midnight, let's go home. Being as how you cooked supper, I'll do the dishes. But: conjunction 1. on the contrary; yet: My brother went, but I did not.

2. except; save: She was so overcome with grief she could do nothing but weep. 3. unless; if not; except that (fol. by a clause, often with that expressed): Nothing would do but that I should come in. 4. without the circumstance that: It never rains but it pours. 5. otherwise than: There is no hope but by prayer. 6. that (used esp. after doubt, deny, etc., with a negative): I don't doubt but he will do it. 7. who not; that not: No leaders worthy of the name ever existed but they were optimists. 8. (used as an intensifier to introduce an exclamatory expression): But she's beautiful! 9. Informal. than: It no sooner started raining but it stopped. preposition 10. with the exception of; except; save: No one replied but me. adverb 11. only; just: There is but one God. noun 12. buts, reservations or objections: You'll do as you're told, no buts about it. idioms 13. but for, except for; were it not for: But for the excessive humidity, it might have been a pleasant day. 14. but what. what (def. 24). Can: auxiliary verb and verb, present singular 1st person can, 2nd can or (Archaic) canst, 3rd can, present plural can; past singular 1st person could, 2nd could or (Archaic) couldst, 3rd could, past plural could. For auxiliary verb: imperative, infinitive, and participles lacking. For verb (Obsolete): imperative can; infinitive can; past participle could; present participle cunning. auxiliary verb 1. to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to: She can solve the problem easily, I'm sure. 2. to know how to: He can play chess, although he's not particularly good at it. 3. to have the power or means to: A dictator can impose his will on the people. 4. to have the right or qualifications to: He can change whatever he wishes in the script. 5. may; have permission to: Can I speak to you for a moment? 6. to have the possibility: A coin can land on either side. verb (used with object), verb (used without object) 7. Obsolete. to know. Could:

verb 1. a past tense of can 1 auxiliary verb 2. (used to express possibility): I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true. 3. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. 4. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? 5. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? 6. (used in offering suggestions or advice): You could write and ask for more information. You could at least have called me. Did: verb past tense of do Do: verb and auxiliary verb, present singular 1st person do, 2nd do or (Archaic) doest or dost, 3rd does or (Archaic) doeth or doth, present plural do; past singular 1st person did, 2nd did or (Archaic) didst, 3rd did, past plural did; past participle done; present participle doing; noun, plural dos, do's. verb (used with object) 1. to perform (an act, duty, role, etc.): Do nothing until you hear the bell. 2. to execute (a piece or amount of work): to do a hauling job. 3. to accomplish; finish; complete: He has already done his homework. 4. to put forth; exert: Do your best. 5. to be the cause of (good, harm, credit, etc.); bring about; effect. 6. to render, give, or pay (homage, justice, etc.). 7. to deal with, fix, clean, arrange, move, etc., (anything) as the case may require: to do the dishes. 8. to travel; traverse: We did 30 miles today. 9. to serve; suffice for: This will do us for the present. 10. to condone or approve, as by custom or practice: That sort of thing simply isn't done. 11. to travel at the rate of (a specified speed): He was doing 80 when they arrested him. 12. to make or prepare: I'll do the salad. 13. to serve (a term of time) in prison, or, sometimes, in office. 14. to create, form, or bring into being: She does wonderful oil portraits. 15. to translate into or change the form or language of: MGM did the book into a movie. 16. to study or work at or in the field of: I have to do my math tonight.

17. to explore or travel through as a sightseer: They did Greece in three weeks. 18. (used with a pronoun, as it or that, or with a general noun, as thing, that refers to a previously mentioned action): You were supposed to write thankyou letters; do it before tomorrow, please. 19. Informal. to wear out; exhaust; tire: That last set of tennis did me. 20. Informal. to cheat, trick, or take advantage of: That crooked dealer did him for $500 at poker. 21. Informal. to attend or participate in: Let's do lunch next week. 22. Slang. to use (a drug or drugs), esp. habitually: The police report said he was doing cocaine. verb (used without object) 23. to act or conduct oneself; be in action; behave. 24. Slang. to rob; steal from: The law got him for doing a lot of banks. 25. to proceed: to do wisely. 26. to get along; fare; manage: to do without an automobile. 27. to be in health, as specified: Mother and child are doing fine. 28. to serve or be satisfactory, as for the purpose; be enough; suffice: Will this do? 29. to finish or be finished. 30. to happen; take place; transpire: What's doing at the office? 31. (used as a substitute to avoid repetition of a verb or full verb expression): I think as you do. auxiliary verb 32. (used in interrogative, negative, and inverted constructions): Do you like music? I don't care. Seldom do we witness such catastrophes. 33. Archaic. (used in imperatives with you or thou expressed; and occasionally as a metric filler in verse): Do thou hasten to the king's side. The wind did blow, the rain did fall. 34. (used to lend emphasis to a principal verb): Do visit us! noun 35. Informal. a burst of frenzied activity; action; commotion. 36. Informal. a hairdo or hair styling. 37. British Slang. a swindle; hoax. 38. Chiefly British. a festive social gathering; party. Verb phrases 39. do by, to deal with; treat: He had always done well by his family. 40. do for, a. to cause the defeat, ruin, or death of. b. Chiefly British. to cook and keep house for; manage or provide for. 41. do in, Informal. a. to kill, esp. to murder.

b. to injure gravely or exhaust; wear out; ruin: The tropical climate did them in. c. to cheat or swindle: He was done in by an unscrupulous broker. 42. do over, to redecorate. 43. do up, Informal. a. to wrap and tie up. b. to pin up or arrange (the hair). c. to renovate; launder; clean. d. to wear out; tire. e. to fasten: Do up your coat. f. to dress: The children were all done up in funny costumes. 44. do with, to gain advantage or benefit from; make use of: I could do with more leisure time. 45. do without, a. to forgo; dispense with. b. to dispense with the thing mentioned: The store doesn't have any, so you'll have to do without. idioms 46. do a number on (someone). number (def. 39). 47. do away with, a. to put an end to; abolish. b. to kill. 48. do one proud. proud (def. 11). 49. do one's number. number (def. 40). 50. do one's (own) thing. thing 1 (def. 19). 51. do or die, to make a supreme effort. 52. do out of, Informal. to swindle; cheat: A furniture store did me out of several hundred dollars. 53. dos and don'ts, customs, rules, or regulations: The dos and don'ts of polite manners are easy to learn. 54. do time, Informal. to serve a term in prison: It's hard to get a decent job once you've done time. 55. do to death. death (def. 15). 56. have to do with. have (def. 37). 57. make do, to get along with what is at hand, despite its inadequacy: I can't afford a new coat so I have to make do with this one. Does: verb

a Third person singular present tense of do Down: adverb 1. from higher to lower; in descending direction or order; toward, into, or in a lower position: to come down the ladder. 2. on or to the ground, floor, or bottom: He fell down. 3. to or in a sitting or lying position. 4. to or in a position, area, or district considered lower, esp. from a geographical or cartographic standpoint, as to the south, a business district, etc.: We drove from San Francisco down to Los Angeles. 5. to or at a lower value or rate. 6. to a lesser pitch or volume: Turn down the radio. 7. in or to a calmer, less active, or less prominent state: The wind died down. 8. from an earlier to a later time: from the 17th century down to the present. 9. from a greater to a lesser strength, amount, etc.: to water down liquor. 10. in an attitude of earnest application: to get down to work. 11. on paper or in a book: Write down the address. 12. in cash at the time of purchase; at once: We paid $50 down and $20 a month. 13. to the point of defeat, submission, inactivity, etc.: They shouted down the opposition. 14. in or into a fixed or supine position: They tied down the struggling animal. 15. to the source or actual position: The dogs tracked down the bear. 16. into a condition of ill health: He's come down with a cold. 17. in or into a lower status or condition: kept down by lack of education. 18. Nautical. toward the lee side, so as to turn a vessel to windward: Put the helm down! 19. Slang. on toast (as used in ordering a sandwich at a lunch counter or restaurant): Give me a tuna down. preposition 20. in a descending or more remote direction or place on, over, or along: They ran off down the street. adjective 21. downward; going or directed downward: the down escalator. 22. being at a low position or on the ground, floor, or bottom. 23. toward the south, a business district, etc. 24. associated with or serving traffic, transportation, or the like, directed toward the south, a business district, etc.: the down platform.

25. downcast; depressed; dejected: You seem very down today. 26. ailing, esp., sick and bedridden: He's been down with a bad cold. 27. being the portion of the full price, as of an article bought on the installment plan, that is paid at the time of purchase or delivery: a payment of $200 down. 28. Football. (of the ball) not in play. 29. behind an opponent or opponents in points, games, etc.: The team won the pennant despite having been down three games in the final week of play. 30. Baseball. out. 31. losing or having lost the amount indicated, esp. at gambling: After an hour at poker, he was down $10. 32. having placed one's bet: Are you down for the fourth race? 33. finished, done, considered, or taken care of: five down and one to go. 34. out of order: The computer has been down all day. noun 35. a downward movement; descent. 36. a turn for the worse; reverse: The business cycle experienced a sudden down. 37. Football. a. one of a series of four plays during which a team must advance the ball at least 10 yd. (9 m) to keep possession of it. b. the declaring of the ball as down or out of play, or the play immediately preceding this. 38. Slang. an order of toast at a lunch counter or restaurant. 39. Slang. downer (defs. 1a, b). verb (used with object) 40. to put, knock, or throw down; subdue: He downed his opponent in the third round. 41. to drink down, esp. quickly or in one gulp: to down a tankard of ale. 42. Informal. to defeat in a game or contest: The Mets downed the Dodgers in today's game. 43. to cause to fall from a height, esp. by shooting: Antiaircraft guns downed ten bombers. verb (used without object) 44. to go down; fall. interjection 45. (used as a command to a dog to stop attacking, to stop jumping on someone, to get off a couch or chair, etc.): Down, Rover! 46. (used as a command or warning to duck, take cover, or the like): Down! They're starting to shoot! idioms 47. down and out, downandout.

48. down cold or pat, mastered or learned perfectly: Another hour of studying and I'll have the math lesson down cold. 49. down in the mouth, discouraged; depressed; sad. 50. down on, Informal. hostile or averse to: Why are you so down on sports? 51. down with! a. away with! cease!: Down with tyranny! b. on or toward the ground or into a lower position: Down with your rifles! Either: adjective 1. one or the other of two: You may sit at either end of the table. 2. each of two; the one and the other: There are trees on either side of the river. pronoun 3. one or the other: There are two roads into the town, and you can take either. Either will do. conjunction 4. (a coordinating conjunction that, when preceding a word or statement followed by the disjunctive or, serves to emphasize the possibility of choice): Either come or write. adverb 5. also; too; as well; to the same degree (used after negative clauses coordinated by and, or, or nor, or after negative subordinate clauses): He's not fond of parties, and I'm not either. If you don't come, she won't come either. For: preposition 1. with the object or purpose of: to run for exercise. 2. intended to belong to, or be used in connection with: equipment for the army; a closet for dishes. 3. suiting the purposes or needs of: medicine for the aged. 4. in order to obtain, gain, or acquire: a suit for alimony; to work for wages. 5. (used to express a wish, as of something to be experienced or obtained): O, for a cold drink! 6. sensitive or responsive to: an eye for beauty. 7. desirous of: a longing for something; a taste for fancy clothes. 8. in consideration or payment of; in return for: three for a dollar; to be thanked for one's efforts. 9. appropriate or adapted to: a subject for speculation; clothes for winter. 10. with regard or respect to: pressed for time; too warm for April. 11. during the continuance of: for a long time.

12. in favor of; on the side of: to be for honest government. 13. in place of; instead of: a substitute for butter. 14. in the interest of; on behalf of: to act for a client. 15. in exchange for; as an offset to: blow for blow; money for goods. 16. in punishment of: payment for the crime. 17. in honor of: to give a dinner for a person. 18. with the purpose of reaching: to start for London. 19. contributive to: for the advantage of everybody. 20. in order to save: to flee for one's life. 21. in order to become: to train recruits for soldiers. 22. in assignment or attribution to: an appointment for the afternoon; That's for you to decide. 23. such as to allow of or to require: too many for separate mention. 24. such as results in: his reason for going. 25. as affecting the interests or circumstances of: bad for one's health. 26. in proportion or with reference to: He is tall for his age. 27. in the character of; as being: to know a thing for a fact. 28. by reason of; because of: to shout for joy; a city famed for its beauty. 29. in spite of: He's a decent guy for all that. 30. to the extent or amount of: to walk for a mile. 31. (used to introduce a subject in an infinitive phrase): It's time for me to go. 32. (used to indicate the number of successes out of a specified number of attempts): The batter was 2 for 4 in the game. conjunction 33. seeing that; since. 34. because. Had: verb past tense and past plural of have. Has: verb Third person singular present tense of have

Have: verb and auxiliary verb, present singular 1st person have, 2nd have or (Archaic) hast, 3rd has or (Archaic) hath, present plural have; past singular 1st person had, 2nd had or (Archaic) hadst or haddest, 3rd had, past plural had; past participle had; present participle having, noun verb (used with object) 1. to possess; own; hold for use; contain: He has property. The work has an index. 2. to hold, possess, or accept in some relation, as of kindred or relative position: He wanted to marry her, but she wouldn't have him. 3. to get, receive, or take: to have a part in a play; to have news. 4. to experience, undergo, or endure, as joy or pain: Have a good time. He had a heart attack last year. 5. to hold in mind, sight, etc.: to have doubts. 6. to cause to, as by command or invitation: Have him come here at five. 7. to be related to or be in a certain relation to: She has three cousins. He has a kind boss. 8. to show or exhibit in action or words: She had the crust to refuse my invitation. 9. to be identified or distinguished by; possess the characteristic of: He has a mole on his left cheek. This wood has a silky texture. 10. to engage in or carry on: to have a talk; to have a fight. 11. to partake of; eat or drink: He had cake and coffee for dessert. 12. to permit or allow: I will not have any talking during the concert. 13. to assert, maintain, or represent as being: Rumor has it that she's going to be married. 14. to know, understand, or be skilled in: to have neither Latin nor Greek. 15. to beget or give birth to: to have a baby. 16. to hold an advantage over: He has you there. 17. to outwit, deceive, or cheat: We realized we'd been had by an expert con artist. 18. to control or possess through bribery; bribe. 19. to gain possession of: There is none to be had at that price. 20. to hold or put in a certain position or situation: The problem had me stumped. They had him where they wanted him. 21. to exercise, display, or make use of: Have pity on him. 22. to invite or cause to be present as a companion or guest: We had Evelyn and Everett over for dinner. He has his bodyguard with him at all times. 23. to engage in sexual intercourse with. verb (used without object) 24. to be in possession of money or wealth: There are some who have and some who have not.

auxiliary verb 25. (used with a past participle to form perfect tenses): She has gone. It would have been an enjoyable party if he hadn't felt downcast. 26. to be required, compelled, or under obligation (fol. by infinitival to, with or without a main verb): I have to leave now. I didn't want to study, but I had to. noun 27. Usually, haves. an individual or group that has wealth, social position, or other material benefits (contrasted with havenot ). Verb phrase 28. have at, to go at vigorously; attack: First he decided to have at his correspondence. If: conjunction 1. in case that; granting or supposing that; on condition that: Sing if you want to. Stay indoors if it rains. I'll go if you do. 2. even though: an enthusiastic if small audience. 3. whether: He asked if I knew Spanish. 4. (used to introduce an exclamatory phrase): If only Dad could see me now! 5. when or whenever: If it was raining, we had to play inside. noun 6. a supposition; uncertain possibility: The future is full of ifs. 7. a condition, requirement, or stipulation: There are too many ifs in his agreement. Is: verb Third person singular present indicative of be. In: preposition 1. (used to indicate inclusion within space, a place, or limits): walking in the park. 2. (used to indicate inclusion within something abstract or immaterial): in politics; in the autumn. 3. (used to indicate inclusion within or occurrence during a period or limit of time): in ancient times; a task done in ten minutes. 4. (used to indicate limitation or qualification, as of situation, condition, relation, manner, action, etc.): to speak in a whisper; to be similar in appearance. 5. (used to indicate means): sketched in ink; spoken in French.

6. (used to indicate motion or direction from outside to a point within) into: Let's go in the house. 7. (used to indicate transition from one state to another): to break in half. 8. (used to indicate object or purpose): speaking in honor of the event. adverb 9. in or into some place, position, state, relation, etc.: Please come in. 10. on the inside; within. 11. in one's house or office. 12. in office or power. 13. in possession or occupancy. 14. having the turn to play, as in a game. 15. Baseball. (of an infielder or outfielder) in a position closer to home plate than usual; short: The third baseman played in, expecting a bunt. 16. on good terms; in favor: He's in with his boss, but he doubts it will last. 17. in vogue; in style: He says straw hats will be in this year. 18. in season: Watermelons will soon be in. adjective 19. located or situated within; inner; internal: the in part of a mechanism. 20. Informal. a. in favor with advanced or sophisticated people; fashionable; stylish: the in place to dine; Her new novel is the in book to read this summer. b. comprehensible only to a special or ultrasophisticated group: an in joke. 21. well-liked; included in a favored group. 22. inward; incoming; inbound: an in train. 23. plentiful; available. 24. being in power, authority, control, etc.: a member of the in party. 25. playing the last nine holes of an eighteenhole golf course (opposed to out ): His in score on the second round was 34. noun 26. Usually, ins. persons in office or political power (distinguished from outs ). 27. a member of the political party in power: The election made him an in. 28. pull or influence; a social advantage or connection: He's got an in with the senator. 29. (in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) a return or service that lands within the inbounds limits of a court or section of a court (opposed to out ). verb (used with object) British Dialect. 30. to enclose.

idioms 31. be in for, to be bound to undergo something, esp. a disagreeable experience: We are in for a long speech. 32. in for it, Slang. about to suffer chastisement or unpleasant consequences, esp. of one's own actions or omissions: I forgot our anniversary again, and I'll be in for it now. Also, British, for it. 33. in that, because; inasmuch as: In that you won't have time for supper, let me give you something now. 34. in with, on friendly terms with; familiar or associating with: They are in with all the important people. Into: preposition 1. to the inside of; in toward: He walked into the room. The train chugged into the station. 2. toward or in the direction of: going into town. 3. to a point of contact with; against: backed into a parked car. 4. (used to indicate insertion or immersion in): plugged into the socket. 5. (used to indicate entry, inclusion, or introduction in a place or condition): received into the church. 6. to the state, condition, or form assumed or brought about: went into shock; lapsed into disrepair; translated into another language. 7. to the occupation, action, possession, circumstance, or acceptance of: went into banking; coerced into complying. 8. (used to indicate a continuing extent in time or space): lasted into the night; far into the distance. 9. (used to indicate the number to be divided by another number): 2 into 20 equals 10. 10. Informal. interested or absorbed in, esp. obsessively: She's into yoga and gardening. It: pronoun, nominative it, possessive its or (Obsolete or Dialect) it, objective it; plural nominative they, possessive their or theirs, objective them; noun pronoun 1. (used to represent an inanimate thing understood, previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context): It has whitewall tires and red upholstery. You can't tell a book by its cover. 2. (used to represent a person or animal understood, previously mentioned, or about to be mentioned whose gender is unknown or disregarded): It was the largest ever caught off the Florida coast. Who was it? It was John. The horse had its saddle on. 3. (used to represent a group understood or previously mentioned): The judge told the jury it must decide two issues.

4. (used to represent a concept or abstract idea understood or previously stated): It all started with Adam and Eve. He has been taught to believe it all his life. 5. (used to represent an action or activity understood, previously mentioned, or about to be mentioned): Since you don't like it, you don't have to go skiing. 6. (used as the impersonal subject of the verb to be, esp. to refer to time, distance, or the weather): It is six o'clock. It is five miles to town. It was foggy. 7. (used in statements expressing an action, condition, fact, circumstance, or situation without reference to an agent): If it weren't for Edna, I wouldn't go. 8. (used in referring to something as the origin or cause of pain, pleasure, etc.): Where does it hurt? It looks bad for the candidate. 9. (used in referring to a source not specifically named or described): It is said that love is blind. 10. (used in referring to the general state of affairs; circumstances, fate, or life in general): How's it going with you? 11. (used as an anticipatory subject or object to make a sentence more eloquent or suspenseful or to shift emphasis): It is necessary that you do your duty. It was a gun that he was carrying. 12. Informal. (used instead of the pronoun its before a gerund): It having rained for only one hour didn't help the crops. noun 13. (in children's games) the player called upon to perform some task, as, in tag, the one who must catch the other players. May: auxiliary verb, present singular 1st person may, 2nd may or (Archaic) mayest or mayst, 3rd may; present plural may; past might. 1. (used to express possibility): It may rain. 2. (used to express opportunity or permission): You may enter. 3. (used to express contingency, esp. in clauses indicating condition, concession, purpose, result, etc.): I may be wrong but I think you would be wise to go. Times may change but human nature stays the same. 4. (used to express wish or prayer): May you live to an old age. 5. Archaic. (used to express ability or power.) Might: auxiliary verb 1. past tense of may 2. (used to express possibility): They might be at the station. 3. (used to express advisability): You might at least thank me. 4. (used in polite requests for permission): Might I speak to you for a moment?

noun 1. physical strength: He swung with all his might. 2. superior power or strength; force: the theory that might makes right. 3. power or ability to do or accomplish; capacity: the might of the ballot box. Neither: conjunction 1. not either, as of persons or things specified (usually fol. by nor): Neither John nor Betty is at home. 2. nor; nor yet; no more: Bob can't go, and neither can I. If she doesn't want it, neither do I. adjective 3. not either; not the one or the other: Neither statement is true. pronoun 4. not either; not one person or the other; not one thing or the other: Neither of the suggestions will do. Neither is to be trusted. Nor: conjunction 1. (used in negative phrases, esp. after neither, to introduce the second member in a series, or any subsequent member): Neither he nor I will be there. They won't wait for you, nor for me, nor for anybody. 2. (used to continue the force of a negative, as not, no, never, etc., occurring in a preceding clause): He left and I never saw him again, nor did I regret it. 3. (used after an affirmative clause, or as a continuative, in the sense of and not): They are happy, nor need we worry. 4. Older Use. than. 5. Archaic. (used without a preceding neither, the negative force of which is understood): He nor I was there. 6. Archaic. (used instead of neither as correlative to a following nor): Nor he nor I was there. Now: adverb 1. at the present time or moment: You are now using a dictionary. 2. without further delay; immediately; at once: Either do it now or not at all. 3. at this time or juncture in some period under consideration or in some course of proceedings described: The case was now ready for the jury. 4. at the time or moment immediately past: I saw him just now on the street.

5. in these present times; nowadays: Now you rarely see horsedrawn carriages. 6. under the present or existing circumstances; as matters stand: I see now what you meant. 7. (used to introduce a statement or question): Now, you don't really mean that. 8. (used to strengthen a command, entreaty, or the like): Now stop that! conjunction 9. inasmuch as; since: Now you're here, why not stay for dinner? noun 10. the present time or moment: Up to now no one has volunteered. adjective 11. up-to-the-minute; encompassing the latest ideas, fads, or fashions: the now look; the now generation. idioms 12. now and again, occasionally. Also, now and then. 13. now that, inasmuch as; since: Now that she is rich and famous, she is constantly being besieged by appeals for aid. Of: preposition 1. (used to indicate distance or direction from, separation, deprivation, etc.): within a mile of the church; south of Omaha; to be robbed of one's money. 2. (used to indicate derivation, origin, or source): a man of good family; the plays of Shakespeare; a piece of cake. 3. (used to indicate cause, motive, occasion, or reason): to die of hunger. 4. (used to indicate material, component parts, substance, or contents): a dress of silk; an apartment of three rooms; a book of poems; a package of cheese. 5. (used to indicate apposition or identity): Is that idiot of a salesman calling again? 6. (used to indicate specific identity or a particular item within a category): the city of Chicago; thoughts of love. 7. (used to indicate possession, connection, or association): the king of France; the property of the church. 8. (used to indicate inclusion in a number, class, or whole): one of us. 9. (used to indicate the objective relation, the object of the action noted by the preceding noun or the application of a verb or adjective): the ringing of bells; He writes her of home; I'm tired of working. 10. (used to indicate reference or respect): There is talk of peace. 11. (used to indicate qualities or attributes): an ambassador of remarkable tact. 12. (used to indicate a specified time): They arrived of an evening. 13. Chiefly Northern U.S. before the hour of; until: twenty minutes of five.

14. on the part of: It was very mean of you to laugh at me. 15. in respect to: fleet of foot. 16. set aside for or devoted to: a minute of prayer. 17. Archaic. by: consumed of worms. Once: adverb 1. at one time in the past; formerly: I was a farmer once; a once powerful nation. 2. a single time: We ate there just once. We go to a movie once a week. 3. even a single time; at any time; ever: If the facts once become known, it will be just too bad. 4. by a single step, degree, or grade: a cousin once removed. adjective 5. former; having at one time been: the once and future king. conjunction 6. if or when at any time; if ever. 7. whenever; as soon as: Once you're finished, you can leave. noun 8. a single occasion; one time only: Once is enough. idioms 9. all at once, a. simultaneously: The children were running, screaming, and throwing things all at once. b. suddenly: All at once the rain came down. 10. at once, a. at the same time; simultaneously: Don't all speak at once. b. immediately; promptly: Tell him to come at once! 11. once and again, repeatedly: He has been told once and again not to slam the door. 12. once and for all, decisively; finally: Let's settle this problem once and for all. Also, once for all. 13. once in a while, at intervals; occasionally: She stops in to see us once in a while. 14. once or twice, a very few times; infrequently: I've seen her in the elevator once or twice. 15. once upon a time, at some unspecified past time, esp. a long time ago: Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a prince and princess. Or: conjunction

1. (used to connect words, phrases, or clauses representing alternatives): books or magazines; to be or not to be. 2. (used to connect alternative terms for the same thing): the Hawaiian, or Sandwich, Islands. 3. (used in correlation): either or; or or; whether or. 4. (used to correct or rephrase what was previously said): His autobiography, or rather memoirs, will soon be ready for publication. 5. otherwise; or else: Be here on time, or we'll leave without you. 6. Logic. the connective used in disjunction. Out: adverb 1. away from, or not in, the normal or usual place, position, state, etc.: out of alphabetical order; to go out to dinner. 2. away from one's home, country, work, etc., as specified: to go out of town. 3. in or into the outdoors: to go out for a walk. 4. to a state of exhaustion, extinction, or depletion: to pump a well out. 5. to the end or conclusion; to a final decision or resolution: to say it all out. 6. to a point or state of extinction, nonexistence, etc.: to blow out the candle; a practice on the way out. 7. in or into a state of neglect, disuse, etc.; not in current vogue or fashion: That style has gone out. 8. so as not to be in the normal or proper position or state; out of joint: His back went out after his fall. 9. in or into public notice or knowledge: The truth is out at last. 10. seeking openly and energetically to do or have: to be out for a good time. 11. not in present possession or use, as on loan: The librarian said that the book was still out. 12. on strike: The miners go out at midnight. 13. so as to project or extend: to stretch out; stick your tongue out. 14. in or into activity, existence, or outward manifestation: A rash came out on her arm. 15. from a specified source or material: made out of scraps. 16. from a state of composure, satisfaction, or harmony: to be put out over trifles. 17. in or into a state of confusion, vexation, dispute, variance, or unfriendliness: to fall out about trifles. 18. so as to deprive or be deprived: to be cheated out of one's money. 19. so as to use the last part of: to run out of gas. 20. from a number, stock, or store: to point out the errors. 21. aloud or loudly: to cry out.

22. with completeness or effectiveness: to fill out. 23. thoroughly; completely; entirely: The children tired me out. 24. so as to obliterate or make undecipherable: to cross out a misspelling; to ink out. adjective 25. not at one's home or place of employment; absent: I stopped by to visit you last night, but you were out. 26. not open to consideration; out of the question: I wanted to go by plane, but all the flights are booked, so that's out. 27. wanting; lacking; without: We had some but now we're out. 28. removed from or not in effective operation, play, a turn at bat, or the like, as in a game: He's out for the season because of an injury. 29. no longer having or holding a job, public office, etc.; unemployed; disengaged (usually fol. by of): to be out of work. 30. inoperative; extinguished: The elevator is out. Are the lights out? 31. finished; ended: before the week is out. 32. not currently stylish, fashionable, or in vogue: Fitted waistlines are out this season. 33. unconscious; senseless: Two drinks and he's usually out. 34. not in power, authority, or the like: a member of the out party. 35. Baseball. a. (of a batter) not succeeding in getting on base: He was out at first on an attempted bunt. b. (of a base runner) not successful in an attempt to advance a base or bases: He was out in attempting to steal second base. 36. beyond fixed or regular limits; out of bounds: The ball was out. 37. having a pecuniary loss or expense to an indicated extent: The company will be out millions of dollars if the new factory doesn't open on schedule. 38. incorrect or inaccurate: His calculations are out. 39. not in practice; unskillful from lack of practice: Your bow hand is out. 40. beyond the usual range, size, weight, etc. (often used in combination): an outsize bed. 41. exposed; made bare, as by holes in one's clothing: out at the knees. 42. at variance; at odds; unfriendly: They are out with each other. 43. moving or directed outward; outgoing: the out train. 44. not available, plentiful, etc.: Mums are out till next fall. 45. external; exterior; outer. 46. located at a distance; outlying: We sailed to six of the out islands. 47. Cricket. not having its innings: the out side. 48. of or pertaining to the playing of the first nine holes of an 18hole golf course (opposed to in ):

His out score on the second round was 33. preposition 49. (used to indicate movement or direction from the inside to the outside of something): He looked out the window. She ran out the door. 50. (used to indicate location): The car is parked out back. 51. (used to indicate movement away from a central point): Let's drive out the old parkway. interjection 52. begone! away! 53. (used in radio communications to signify that the sender has finished the message and is not expecting or prepared to receive a reply.) Compare over (def. 52). 54. Archaic. (an exclamation of abhorrence, indignation, reproach, or grief (usually fol. by upon): Out upon you! noun 55. a means of escape or excuse, as from a place, punishment, retribution, responsibility, etc.: He always left himself an out. 56. a person who lacks status, power, or authority, esp. in relation to a particular group or situation. 57. Usually, outs. persons not in office or political power (distinguished from ins ). 58. Baseball. a putout. 59. (in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) a return or service that does not land within the inbounds limits of a court or section of a court (opposed to in ). 60. something that is out, as a projecting corner. 61. Printing. a. the omission of a word or words. b. the word or words omitted. 62. Northern British Dialect. an outing. verb (used without object) 63. to go or come out. 64. to become public, evident, known, etc.: The truth will out. 65. to make known; tell; utter (fol. by with): Out with the truth! verb (used with object) 66. to eject or expel; discharge; oust. 67. to intentionally expose (a secret homosexual, a spy, etc.). idioms 68. all out, with maximum effort; thoroughly or wholeheartedly: They went all out to finish by Friday. 69. be on the or at outs with, Informal. to be estranged from (another person); be unfriendly or on

bad terms with: He is on the outs with his brother. 70. out and away, to a surpassing extent; far and away; by far: It was out and away the best apple pie she had ever eaten. 71. out for, aggressively determined to acquire, achieve, etc.: He's out for all the money he can get. 72. out from under, out of a difficult situation, esp. of debts or other obligations: The work piled up while I was away and I don't know how I'll ever get out from under. 73. out of, a. not within: out of the house. b. beyond the reach of: The boat's passengers had sailed out of hearing. c. not in a condition of: out of danger. d. so as to deprive or be deprived of. e. from within or among: Take the jokers out of the pack. f. because of; owing to: out of loyalty. g. foaled by (a dam): Grey Dancer out of Lady Grey. 74. out of it, Informal. a. not part of or acceptable within an activity, social group, or fashion: She felt out of it because none of her friends were at the party. b. not conscious; drunk or heavily drugged. c. not alert or clearheaded; confused; muddled. d. eliminated from contention: If our team loses two more games, we'll be out of it. 75. out of sight. sight (def. 25). 76. out of trim, Nautical. (of a ship) drawing excessively at the bow or stern. Over: preposition 1. above in place or position: the roof over one's head. 2. above and to the other side of: to leap over a wall. 3. above in authority, rank, power, etc., so as to govern, control, or have jurisdiction regarding: There is no one over her in the department now. 4. so as to rest on or cover; on or upon: Throw a sheet over the bed. 5. on or upon, so as to cause an apparent change in one's mood, attitude, etc.: I can't imagine what has come over her. 6. on or on top of: to hit someone over the head. 7. here and there on or in; about: at various places over the country. 8. through all parts of; all through: to roam over the estate; to show someone over the house. 9. to and fro on or in; across; throughout: to travel all over Europe.

10. from one side to the other of; to the other side of; across: to go over a bridge. 11. on the other side of; across: lands over the sea. 12. reaching higher than, so as to submerge: The water is over his shoulders. 13. in excess of; more than: over a mile; not over five dollars. 14. above in degree, quantity, etc.: a big improvement over last year's turnout. 15. in preference to: chosen over another applicant. 16. throughout the length of: The message was sent over a great distance. 17. until after the end of: to adjourn over the holidays. 18. throughout the duration of: over a long period of years. 19. in reference to, concerning, or about: to quarrel over a matter. 20. while engaged in or occupied with: to fall asleep over one's work. 21. via; by means of: He told me over the phone. I heard it over the radio. adverb 22. beyond the top or upper surface or edge of something: a roof that hangs over. 23. so as to cover the surface, or affect the whole surface: The furniture was covered over with dust. 24. through a region, area, etc.: He was known the world over. 25. at some distance, as in a direction indicated: They live over by the hill. 26. from side to side; across; to the other side: to sail over. 27. across an intervening space: Toss the ball over, will you? 28. across or beyond the edge or rim: The soup boiled over. The bathtub ran over. 29. from beginning to end; throughout: to read a paper over; Think it over. 30. from one person, party, etc., to another: Hand the money over. He made the property over to his brother. 31. on the other side, as of a sea, a river, or any space: over in Japan. 32. so as to displace from an upright position: to knock over a glass of milk. 33. so as to put in the reversed position: She turned the bottle over. The dog rolled over. 34. once more; again: Do the work over. 35. in repetition or succession: twenty times over. 36. in excess or addition: to pay the full sum and something over. 37. in excess of or beyond a certain amount: Five goes into seven once, with two over. 38. throughout or beyond a period of time: to stay over till Monday. 39. to one's residence, office, or the like: Why don't you come over for lunch? 40. so as to reach a place across an intervening space, body of water, etc.: Her ancestors came over on the Mayflower adjective

41. upper; higher up. 42. higher in authority, station, etc. 43. serving, or intended to serve, as an outer covering; outer. 44. remaining or additional, surplus; extra. 45. too great; excessive (usually used in combination): Insufficient tact and overaggressiveness are two of his problems. 46. ended; done; past: when the war was over. noun 47. an amount in excess or addition; extra. 48. Military. a shot that strikes or bursts beyond the target. 49. Cricket. a. the number of balls, usually six, delivered between successive changes of bowlers. b. the part of the game played between such changes. verb (used with object) 50. to go or get over; leap over. 51. Southern U.S. to recover from. interjection 52. (used in radio communications to signify that the sender has temporarily finished transmitting and is awaiting a reply or acknowledgment.) Compare out (def. 53). idioms 53. all over, a. over the entire surface of; everywhere: material printed all over with a floral design. b. thoroughly; entirely. c. finished: The war was all over and the soldiers came home. 54. all over with, ended; finished: It seemed miraculous that the feud was all over with. 55. over again, in repetition; once more: The director had the choir sing one passage over again. 56. over against. against (def. 13). 57. over and above, in addition to; besides: a profit over and above what they had anticipated. 58. over and over, several times; repeatedly: They played the same record over and over. 59. over the hill. hill (def. 11). 60. over there, Informal. (in the U.S. during and after World War I) in or to Europe: Many of the boys who went over there never came back. 61. over with, finished or done: Let's get this thing over with, so that we don't have to worry about it any more.

Shall: auxiliary verb, present singular 1st person shall, 2nd shall or (Archaic) shalt, 3rd shall, present plural shall; past singular 1st person should, 2nd should or (Archaic) shouldst or shouldest, 3rd should, past plural should; imperative, infinitive, and participles lacking. 1. plan to, intend to, or expect to: I shall go later. 2. will have to, is determined to, or definitely will: You shall do it. He shall do it. 3. (in laws, directives, etc.) must; is or are obliged to: The meetings of the council shall be public. 4. (used interrogatively in questions, often in invitations): Shall we go?

Should: auxiliary verb 1. past tense of shall. 2. (used to express condition): Were he to arrive, I should be pleased. 3. must; ought (used to indicate duty, propriety, or expediency): You should not do that. 4. would (used to make a statement less direct or blunt): I should think you would apologize. Since: adverb 1. from then till now (often prec. by ever): He was elected in 1978 and has been president ever since. 2. between a particular past time and the present; subsequently: She at first refused, but has since consented. 3. ago; before now: long since. preposition 4. continuously from or counting from: It has been warm since noon. 5. between a past time or event and the present: There have been many changes since the war. conjunction 6. in the period following the time when: He has written once since he left. 7. continuously from or counting from the time when: He has been busy since he came. 8. because; inasmuch as: Since you're already here, you might as well stay. So: adverb 1. in the way or manner indicated, described, or implied: Do it so.

2. in that or this manner or fashion; thus: So it turned out. 3. in the aforesaid state or condition: It is broken and has long been so. 4. to the extent or degree indicated or suggested: Do not walk so fast. 5. Informal. very or extremely: I'm so sad. 6. very greatly: My head aches so! 7. (used before an adverb or an adverbial clause and fol. by as) to such a degree or extent: so far as I know. 8. having the purpose of: a speech so commemorating the victory. 9. for this or that reason; hence; therefore: She is ill, and so cannot come to the party. 10. (used as an affirmative to emphasize or confirm a previous statement) most certainly: I said I would come, and so I will. 11. (used as an emphatic affirmative to contradict a previous statement) indeed; truly; too: I was so at the party! 12. likewise or correspondingly; also; too: If he is going, then so am I. 13. in such manner as to follow or result from: As he learned, so did he teach. 14. in the way that follows; in this way: The audience was seated, and so the famous speech began. 15. in the way that precedes; in that way: So ended the speech, and the listeners arose and cheered. 16. in such way as to end in: So live your life that old age will bring you no regrets. 17. then; subsequently: and so to bed. conjunction 18. in order that (often fol. by that): Check carefully, so any mistakes will be caught. 19. with the result that (often fol. by that): He checked carefully, so that the mistakes were caught. 20. on the condition that; if. pronoun 21. such as has been stated: to be good and stay so. 22. something that is about or near the persons or things in question, as in number or amount: Of the original twelve, five or so remain. interjection 23. (used as an exclamation of surprise, shock, discovery, inquiry, indifference, etc., according to the manner of utterance.) adjective 24. true as stated or reported; conforming with reality or the fact: Say it isn't so. idioms 25. only or just so many, being a limited or small number or amount: I can eat only so many pieces of fruit. 26. only or just so much, being a limited amount or quantity; up to a certain point or maximum: I

can eat only so much fruit; just so much that one can do in such a case. 27. so as, a. with the result or purpose: to turn up the volume of the radio so as to drown out the noise from the next apartment. b. Older Use. provided that: I like any flower, just so as it's real. 28. so much, a. something, as an amount or cost, that is not specified or determined: The carpeting is priced at so much per yard. b. all that is or needs to be said or done: So much for the preliminaries, let's get down to the real issues. 29. so much as, even: He doesn't so much as say hello to me. 30. so to speak. speak (def. 22). 31. so what? what (def. 25). Such: adjective 1. of the kind, character, degree, extent, etc., of that or those indicated or implied: Such a man is dangerous. 2. of that particular kind or character: The food, such as it was, was plentiful. 3. like or similar: tea, coffee, and such commodities. 4. (used with omission of an indication of comparison) of so extreme a kind; so great, good, bad, etc.: He is such a liar. 5. being as stated or indicated: Such is the case. 6. being the person or thing or the persons or things indicated: If any member be behind in his dues, such member shall be suspended. 7. definite but not specified; such and such: Allow such an amount for food and such an amount for rent. adverb 8. so; very; to such a degree: such pleasant people. 9. in such a way or manner. pronoun 10. such a person or thing or such persons or things: kings, princes, and such. 11. someone or something indicated or exemplified: He claims to be a friend but is not such. idioms 12. as such. as 1 (def. 30). 13. such as,

a. of the kind specified: A plan such as you propose will never succeed. b. for example: He considers quiet pastimes, such as reading and chess, a bore. That: pronoun 1. (used to indicate a person, thing, idea, state, event, time, remark, etc., as pointed out or present, mentioned before, supposed to be understood, or by way of emphasis): That is her mother. After that we saw each other. 2. (used to indicate one of two or more persons, things, etc., already mentioned, referring to the one more remote in place, time, or thought; opposed to this): This is my sister and that's my cousin. 3. (used to indicate one of two or more persons, things, etc., already mentioned, implying a contrast or contradistinction; opposed to this): This suit fits better than that. 4. (used as the subject or object of a relative clause, esp. one defining or restricting the antecedent, sometimes replaceable by who, whom, or which): the horse that he bought. 5. (used as the object of a preposition, with the preposition standing at the end of a relative clause): the farm that I spoke of. 6. (used in various special or elliptical constructions): fool that he is. adjective 7. (used to indicate a person, place, thing, or degree as indicated, mentioned before, present, or as wellknown or characteristic): That woman is her mother. Those little mannerisms of hers make me sick. 8. (used to indicate the more remote in time, place, or thought of two persons, things, etc., already mentioned; opposed to this): This room is his and that one is mine. 9. (used to imply mere contradistinction; opposed to this): not this house, but that one. adverb 10. (used with adjectives and adverbs of quantity or extent) to the extent or degree indicated: that much; The fish was that big. 11. to a great extent or degree; very: It's not that important. 12. Dialect. (used to modify an adjective or another adverb) to such an extent: He was that weak he could hardly stand. conjunction 13. (used to introduce a subordinate clause as the subject or object of the principal verb or as the necessary complement to a statement made, or a clause expressing cause or reason, purpose or aim, result or consequence, etc.): I'm sure that you'll like it. That he will come is certain. Hold it up so that everyone can see it. 14. (used elliptically to introduce an exclamation expressing desire, a wish, surprise, indignation, or other strong feeling): Oh, that I had never been born! idioms 15. at that,

a. in spite of something; nevertheless: Although perhaps too elaborate, it seemed like a good plan at that. b. in addition; besides: It was a long wait, and an exasperating one at that. 16. that is, (by way of explanation, clarification, or an example); more accurately: I read the book, that is, I read most of it. Also, that is to say. 17. that's that, Informal. there is no more to be said or done; that is finished: I'm not going, and that's that! 18. that way, Informal. in love or very fond of (usually fol. by about or for): The star and the director are that way. I'm that way about coffee. 19. with that, following that; thereupon: With that, he turned on his heel and fled. The: definite article 1. (used, esp. before a noun, with a specifying or particularizing effect, as opposed to the indefinite or generalizing force of the indefinite article a or an): the book you gave me; Come into the house. 2. (used to mark a proper noun, natural phenomenon, ship, building, time, point of the compass, branch of endeavor, or field of study as something wellknown or unique): the sun; the Alps; the Queen Elizabeth; the past; the West. 3. (used with or as part of a title): the Duke of Wellington; the Reverend John Smith. 4. (used to mark a noun as indicating the bestknown, most approved, most important, most satisfying, etc.): the skiing center of the U.S.; If you're going to work hard, now is the time. 5. (used to mark a noun as being used generically): The dog is a quadruped. 6. (used in place of a possessive pronoun, to note a part of the body or a personal belonging): He won't be able to play football until the leg mends. 7. (used before adjectives that are used substantively, to note an individual, a class or number of individuals, or an abstract idea): to visit the sick; from the sublime to the ridiculous. 8. (used before a modifying adjective to specify or limit its modifying effect): He took the wrong road and drove miles out of his way. 9. (used to indicate one particular decade of a lifetime or of a century): the sixties; the gay nineties. 10. (one of many of a class or type, as of a manufactured item, as opposed to an individual one): Did you listen to the radio last night? 11. enough: He saved until he had the money for a new car. She didn't have the courage to leave. 12. (used distributively, to note any one separately) for, to, or in each; a or an: at one dollar the pound. adverb 1. (used to modify an adjective or adverb in the comparative degree and to signify in or by that, on that account, in or by so much, or in some or any degree): He's been on vacation and looks the better for it. 2. (used in correlative constructions to modify an adjective or adverb in the comparative degree, in

one instance with relative force and in the other with demonstrative force, and signifying by how much by so much or in what degree in that degree): the more the merrier; The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Then: adverb 1. at that time: Prices were lower then. 2. immediately or soon afterward: The rain stopped and then started again. 3. next in order of time: We ate, then we started home. 4. at the same time: At first the water seemed blue, then gray. 5. next in order of place: Standing beside Charlie is my uncle, then my cousin, then my brother. 6. in addition; besides; also: I love my job, and then it pays so well. 7. in that case; as a consequence; in those circumstances: If you're sick, then you should stay in bed. 8. since that is so; as it appears; therefore: You have, then, found the mistake? You are leaving tonight then. adjective 9. being; being such; existing or being at the time indicated: the then prime minister. noun 10. that time: We have not been back since then. Till then, farewell. idioms 11. but then, but on the other hand: I found their conversation very dull, but then I have different tastes. 12. then and there, at that precise time and place; at once; on the spot: I started to pack my things right then and there. Also, there and then. They: plural pronoun, possessive their or theirs, objective them. 1. nominative plural of he, she, and it. 2. people in general: They say he's rich. 3. (used with an indefinite singular antecedent in place of the definite masculine he or the definite feminine she): Whoever is of voting age, whether they are interested in politics or not, should vote. This: pronoun 1. (used to indicate a person, thing, idea, state, event, time, remark, etc., as present, near, just mentioned or pointed out, supposed to be understood, or by way of emphasis): This is my coat.

2. (used to indicate one of two or more persons, things, etc., referring to the one nearer in place, time, or thought; opposed to that): This is Liza and that is Amy. 3. (used to indicate one of two or more persons, things, etc., implying a contrast or contradistinction; opposed to that): I'd take that instead of this. 4. what is about to follow: Now hear this! Watch this! adjective 5. (used to indicate a person, place, thing, or degree as present, near, just indicated or mentioned, or as wellknown or characteristic): These people are my friends. This problem has worried me for a long time. 6. (used to indicate the nearer in time, place, or thought of two persons, things, etc.; opposed to that). 7. (used to imply mere contradistinction; opposed to that). 8. (used in place of an indefinite article for emphasis): I was walking down the street when I heard this explosion. adverb 9. (used with adjectives and adverbs of quantity or extent) to the extent or degree indicated: this far; this softly. idiom 10. with this, following this; hereupon: With this, he threw down his glass and left the table. Though: conjunction 1. (used in introducing a subordinate clause, which is often marked by ellipsis) notwithstanding that; in spite of the fact that; although: Though he tried very hard, he failed the course. 2. even if; granting that (often prec. by even). adverb 3. for all that; however. idiom 4. as though, as if: It seems as though the place is deserted. Thus: adverb 1. in the way just indicated; in this way: Stated thus, the problem seems trivial. 2. in such or the following manner; so: Thus it came to pass. 3. accordingly; consequently: It is late, and thus you must go. 4. to this extent or degree: thus far. 5. as an example; for instance.

To: preposition 1. (used for expressing motion or direction toward a point, person, place, or thing approached and reached, as opposed to from): They came to the house. 2. (used for expressing direction or motion or direction toward something) in the direction of; toward: from north to south. 3. (used for expressing limit of movement or extension): He grew to six feet. 4. (used for expressing contact or contiguity) on; against; beside; upon: a right uppercut to the jaw; Apply varnish to the surface. 5. (used for expressing a point of limit in time) before; until: to this day; It is ten minutes to six. We work from nine to five. 6. (used for expressing aim, purpose, or intention): going to the rescue. 7. (used for expressing destination or appointed end): sentenced to jail. 8. (used for expressing agency, result, or consequence): to my dismay; The flowers opened to the sun. 9. (used for expressing a resulting state or condition): He tore it to pieces. 10. (used for expressing the object of inclination or desire): They drank to her health. 11. (used for expressing the object of a right or claim): claimants to an estate. 12. (used for expressing limit in degree, condition, or amount): wet to the skin; goods amounting to $1000; Tomorrow's high will be 75 to 80. 13. (used for expressing addition or accompaniment) with: He added insult to injury. They danced to the music. Where is the top to this box? 14. (used for expressing attachment or adherence): She held to her opinion. 15. (used for expressing comparison or opposition): inferior to last year's crop; The score is eight to seven. 16. (used for expressing agreement or accordance) according to; by: a position to one's liking; to the best of my knowledge. 17. (used for expressing reference, reaction, or relation): What will he say to this? 18. (used for expressing a relative position): parallel to the roof. 19. (used for expressing a proportion of number or quantity) in; making up: 12 to the dozen; 20 miles to the gallon. 20. (used for indicating the indirect object of a verb, for connecting a verb with its complement, or for indicating or limiting the application of an adjective, noun, or pronoun): Give it to me. I refer to your work. 21. (used as the ordinary sign or accompaniment of the infinitive, as in expressing motion, direction, or purpose, in ordinary uses with a substantive object.) 22. Mathematics. raised to the power indicated: Three to the fourth is 81 (34 = 81).

adverb 23. toward a point, person, place, or thing, implied or understood. 24. toward a contact point or closed position: Pull the door to. 25. toward a matter, action, or work: We turned to with a will. 26. into a state of consciousness; out of unconsciousness: after he came to. Unless: conjunction 1. except under the circumstances that: I'll be there at nine, unless the train is late. preposition 2. except; but; save: Nothing will come of it, unless disaster. Until: conjunction 1. up to the time that or when; till: He read until his guests arrived. 2. before (usually used in negative constructions): They did not come until the meeting was half over. preposition 3. onward to or till (a specified time or occurrence): She worked until 6 p.m. 4. before (usually used in negative constructions): He did not go until night. 5. Scot. and North England. to; unto. Up: adverb 1. to, toward, or in a more elevated position: to climb up to the top of a ladder. 2. to or in an erect position: to stand up. 3. out of bed: to get up. 4. above the horizon: The moon came up. 5. to or at any point that is considered higher. 6. to or at a source, origin, center, or the like: to follow a stream up to its source. 7. to or at a higher point or degree, as of rank, size, value, pitch, loudness, brightness, maturity, or speed: to move up in a firm; to pump up a tire; to turn a lantern up; Prices are going up. Speak up! Hurry up! 8. ahead; in a leading position in a competition: He managed to get up on his opponent by three points.

9. in continuing contact, esp. as reflecting continuing awareness, knowledge, etc.: to keep up with the latest developments in mathematics. 10. into or in activity, operation, etc.: to set up vibrations. 11. into a state of emotional agitation or distress: His insults left her all roiled up. 12. into existence, visible form, etc.: His sample was worked up in the studio. 13. into view, prominence, or consideration: The lost papers have turned up. 14. into or in a place of safekeeping, storage, retirement, etc.: to lay up riches; to put up preserves. 15. into or in a state of union, contraction, etc.: to add up a column of figures; to fold up. 16. to the required or final point: to pay up one's debts; burned up. 17. to a state of completion; to an end: She finished it all up. 18. to a halt: The riders reined up and dismounted. 19. Baseball. being the player or team batting; at bat. 20. (used as a function word for additional emphasis, sometimes prec. by it): Go wake your father up. What plugged it up? We laughed it up. 21. ahead of an opponent or opponents in points, games, etc.: The golfer was two strokes up on his nearest competitor. 22. each; apiece: The score was seven up in the final quarter. 23. (of machines or equipment, as computers) working; in working order or in operation. 24. Informal. without the addition of ice; straight up: Bring me a martini, up. 25. Nautical. toward the wind: Put the helm up. preposition 26. to, toward, or at an elevated place on or in: They went up the stairs. The cat is up the tree. 27. to, toward, or at a high or higher station, condition, or rank on or in: He is well up the social ladder. 28. at or to a farther point or higher place on or in: She is up the street. I'm going up the street. 29. toward the source, origin, etc., of: up the stream. 30. toward a particular direction or in the interior of, as a region or territory: The explorers were up north. 31. in a course or direction that is contrary to that of: to row up the current. adjective 32. moving in or related to a direction that is up or is regarded as up: the up elevator; the up train traveling north; the up platform of a railroad station. 33. informed; familiar; aware (usually fol. by on or in): She is always up on current events. 34. concluded; ended; finished; terminated: The game is up. Your hour is up. 35. going on or happening; taking place; occurring: What's up over there? 36. having a high position or station: He is up in society.

37. in an erect, vertical, or raised position: The gate at the railroad crossing is up. The tent is up. 38. above the earth or ground: The corn is up and ready to be harvested. 39. in the air; aloft: The meteorological balloons are up. The airplanes are up for their reconnaissance flights. 40. (of heavenly bodies) risen above the horizon: The sun is up. 41. awake or out of bed: to be up with insomnia. 42. mounted on horseback: He knows which jockeys are up in every race. 43. (of water in natural bodies) high with relation to the banks or shore: The tide is up. 44. built; constructed: The new museum is up and open to the public. 45. facing upward: He is resting and his face is up. 46. sunnyside up. 47. (of roads, highways, etc.) having the surface broken or removed (usually used in combination): a tornup road. 48. in revolt, mutiny, or rebellious agitation: Many territories were up and preparing to send troops against the government. 49. in a state of agitation: Beware of him when his temper is up. 50. Informal. cheerful or optimistic; highspirited; happy; exuberant; upbeat. 51. Informal. productive, favorable, or profitable: a string of up months for the company. 52. afoot or amiss: Her nervous manner told me that something was up. 53. in a state of enthusiastic or confident readiness (usually fol. by for): The team was definitely up for the game. 54. bound; on the way: She was on a ship up for Australia. 55. resolved in an unfavorable or undesired way: They knew that their game was up. 56. higher than formerly in cost, amount, degree, etc.: The price of meat was up. 57. (of age) advanced (usually fol. by in): He is rather spry for a man so up in years. 58. active: The captain wished to set sail as soon as the wind was up. 59. in a legal proceeding as defendant: He is up for murder. 60. in operation or ready for use: The theater's lights are up. 61. (of points or other standards used to determine the winner in a competition) ahead; in advance: He won the game with two points up over his opponent. 62. considered or under consideration: a candidate up for reelection; a bill that is up before Congress. 63. wagered; bet: He won all the money up in the game. 64. living or located inland or on elevated ground: They live in a village two miles up from the coast. 65. (used with a preceding numeral to indicate that a score is tied in a competition): It was 10 up at the end of the first half.

66. ahead of an opponent or opponents: They scored three times in a row to go two up. noun 67. an upward movement; ascent. 68. a rise of fortune, mood, etc. 69. a time of good fortune, prosperity, or happiness: He has had more ups than downs in his career. 70. an upbound means of public transportation, as a train or bus. 71. Informal. a feeling or state of happiness, exuberance, or elation. 72. Slang. upper (def. 10). 73. a person or thing that is in a favorable position of wealth, fortune, etc.: People who were ups in the business world suffered losses in the economic depression. 74. an upward slope; elevation. 75. an upward course or rise, as in price or value: The landlord promised his tenants there would be no further ups in the rent this year. 76. Slang. upper 2 . verb (used with object) 77. to put or take up. 78. to make larger; step up: to up output. 79. to raise; go better than (a preceding wager): to up the ante. verb (used without object) 80. Informal. to start up; begin something abruptly (usually fol. by and and another verb): Then he upped and ran away from home. 81. (often used imperatively or hortatively) to rise up: Up, men, and fight until all the enemy are defeated! idioms 82. all up with, at or approaching the end of; with defeat or ruin imminent for: He realized it was all up with him when the search party began to close in. 83. go up in one's lines. line 1 (def. 70). 84. on the up and up, Informal. frank; honest; sincere: He seems to be on the up and up. Also, on the upandup. 85. straight up. straight (def. 34). 86. up against, faced or confronted with: They were up against formidable obstacles. 87. up against it, in a difficult situation, esp. in financial straits: There was no one to help him when he was up against it. 88. up and around, recovered from an illness; able to leave one's bed. Also, up and about. 89. up and doing, Informal. actively engaged; alert; busy: During her convalescence she longed to be up and doing. 90. up and down,

a. back and forth; backward and forward: He paced up and down. b. from top to bottom or head to toe: She looked me up and down before replying. 91. up for, considered as eligible or as a possibility for (something): The child is up for adoption. Three actresses are up for the role. 92. up to, a. as far as or approaching (a certain part, degree, point, etc.): She went wading up to her knees. I am up to the eighth lesson. b. in full realization or attainment of: He worked up to president of the company. c. as many as; to the limit of: The car will seat up to five persons. d. having adequate powers or ability for; capable of; equal to: He didn't think I was up to the job. e. the duty or responsibility of; incumbent upon: It's up to you to break the news to him. f. engaged in; contriving; doing: What have you been up to lately? Was: verb First and third person singular past indicative of be Were: verb 1. Second person singular and plural and first and third person plural past indicative of be. 2. Past subjunctive of be. When: adverb 1. at what time or period? how long ago? how soon?: When are they to arrive? When did the Roman Empire exist? 2. under what circumstances? upon what occasion?: When is a letter of condolence in order? When did you ever see such a crowd? conjunction 3. at what time: to know when to be silent. 4. at the time or in the event that: when we were young; when the noise stops. 5. at any time; whenever: He is impatient when he is kept waiting. 6. upon or after which; and then: We had just fallen asleep when the bell rang. 7. while on the contrary; considering that; whereas: Why are you here when you should be in school?

pronoun 8. what time: Till when is the store open? 9. which time: They left on Monday, since when we have heard nothing. noun 10. the time of anything: the when and the where of an act. Whether: conjunction 1. (used to introduce the first of two or more alternatives, and sometimes repeated before the second or later alternative, usually with the correlative or): It matters little whether we go or stay. Whether we go or whether we stay, the result is the same. 2. (used to introduce a single alternative, the other being implied or understood, or some clause or element not involving alternatives): See whether or not she has come. I doubt whether we can do any better. 3. Archaic. (used to introduce a question presenting alternatives, usually with the correlative or). pronoun Archaic. 4. which or whichever (of two)? idiom 5. whether or no, under whatever circumstances; regardless: He threatens to go whether or no. Which: pronoun 1. what one?: Which of these do you want? Which do you want? 2. whichever: Choose which appeals to you. 3. (used relatively in restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses to represent a specified antecedent): The book, which I read last night, was exciting. The socialism which Owen preached was unpalatable to many. The lawyer represented five families, of which the Costello family was the largest. 4. (used relatively in restrictive clauses having that as the antecedent): Damaged goods constituted part of that which was sold at the auction. 5. (used after a preposition to represent a specified antecedent): the horse on which I rode. 6. (used relatively to represent a specified or implied antecedent) the one that; a particular one that: You may choose which you like. 7. (used in parenthetic clauses) the thing or fact that: He hung around for hours and, which was worse, kept me from doing my work. 8. Nonstandard. who or whom: a friend which helped me move; the lawyer which you hired. adjective 9. what one of (a certain number or group mentioned or implied)?: Which book do you want?

10. whichever; any that: Go which way you please, you'll end up here. 11. being previously mentioned: It stormed all day, during which time the ship broke up. While: noun, conjunction, preposition, verb, whiled, whiling. noun 1. a period or interval of time: to wait a long while; He arrived a short while ago. 2. Archaic. a particular time or occasion. conjunction 3. during or in the time that. 4. throughout the time that; as long as. 5. even though; although: While she appreciated the honor, she could not accept the position. 6. at the same time that (showing an analogous or corresponding action): The floor was strewn with books, while magazines covered the tables. preposition 7. Archaic. until. verb (used with object) 8. to cause (time) to pass, esp. in some easy or pleasant manner (usually fol. by away). idioms 9. all the while, at or during this time; all along: She realized all the while that the cake would fall. 10. worth one's while, worth one's time, trouble, or expense: The art exhibition that opened yesterday isn't worth your while. Will: auxiliary verb and verb, present singular 1st person will, 2nd will or (Archaic) wilt, 3rd will, present plural will; past singular 1st person would, 2nd would or (Archaic) wouldst, 3rd would, past plural would; past participle (Obsolete) wold or would; imperative, infinitive, and present participle lacking. auxiliary verb 1. am (is, are, etc.) about or going to: I will be there tomorrow. She will see you at dinner. 2. am (is, are, etc.) disposed or willing to: People will do right. 3. am (is, are, etc.) expected or required to: You will report to the principal at once. 4. may be expected or supposed to: You will not have forgotten him. This will be right. 5. am (is, are, etc.) determined or sure to (used emphatically): You would do it. People will talk. 6. am (is, are, etc.) accustomed to, or do usually or often: You will often see her sitting there. He would write for hours at a time.

7. am (is, are, etc.) habitually disposed or inclined to: Boys will be boys. After dinner they would read aloud. 8. am (is, are, etc.) capable of; can: This tree will live without water for three months. 9. am (is, are, etc.) going to: I will bid you Good night. verb (used with object), verb (used without object) 10. to wish; desire; like: Go where you will. Ask, if you will, who the owner is. noun 1. the faculty of conscious and especially of deliberate action; the power of control the mind has over its own actions: the freedom of the will. 2. power of choosing one's own actions: to have a strong or a weak will. 3. the act or process of using or asserting one's choice; volition: My hands are obedient to my will. 4. wish or desire: to submit against one's will. 5. purpose or determination, often hearty or stubborn determination; willfulness: to have the will to succeed. 6. the wish or purpose as carried out, or to be carried out: to work one's will. 7. disposition, whether good or ill, toward another. 8. Law. a. a legal declaration of a person's wishes as to the disposition of his or her property or estate after death, usually written and signed by the testator and attested by witnesses. b. the document containing such a declaration. verb (used with object) 9. to decide, bring about, or attempt to effect or bring about by an act of the will: He can walk if he wills it. 10. to purpose, determine on, or elect, by an act of will: If he wills success, he can find it. 11. to give or dispose of (property) by a will or testament; bequeath or devise. 12. to influence by exerting will power: She was willed to walk the tightrope by the hypnotist. verb (used without object) 13. to exercise the will: To will is not enough, one must do. 14. to decide or determine: Others debate, but the king wills. Idiom 15. at will, a. at one's discretion or pleasure; as one desires: to wander at will through the countryside. b. at one's disposal or command. Would: verb

1. a past tense. and past plural. of will 1 . 2. (used to express the future in past sentences): He said he would go tomorrow. 3. (used in place of will, to make a statement or form a question less direct or blunt): That would scarcely be fair. Would you be so kind? 4. (used to express repeated or habitual action in the past): We would visit Grandma every morning up at the farm. 5. (used to express an intention or inclination): Nutritionists would have us all eat whole grains. 6. (used to express a wish): Would he were here! 7. (used to express an uncertainty): It would appear that he is guilty. 8. (used in conditional sentences to express choice or possibility): They would come if they had the fare. If the temperature were higher, the water would evaporate. 9. would have, (used with a past participle to express unfulfilled intention or preference): I would have saved you some but Jimmy took it all.

Parts of Speech
There are eight categories which form the parts of speech. Each part of speech explains not what the word is, but how the word is used. Noun: A noun is a word used to refer to people, animals, objects, substances, states, events and feelings. Nouns can be a subject or an object of a verb, can be modified by an adjective and can take an article or determiner. Nouns may be divided into two basic groups: Countable Nouns have plural forms (e.g. cows) and Uncountable Nouns do not (e.g. milk). Pronoun: A pronoun is a word that substitutes a noun or noun phrase. There are a number of different kinds of pronouns in English. Types of pronouns: 1. Demonstrative Pronoun: Substitute nouns when the nouns they replace can be understood from the context. this, that, these, those 2. Personal Pronoun: They are used to substitute the names of the people or things that perform actions. I, you, he, she, etc..

3. Possessive Pronoun: Used to substitute a noun and to show possession or ownership. mine, yours, his, etc.. 4. Reflexive Pronoun: Reflexive pronouns are used when the complement of the verb is the same as the subject. myself, yourself, etc.. 5. Interrogative Pronoun: A Wh question word, when it acts as a pronoun substituting the person or thing being asked about who, what, where, etc.. 6. Negative Pronoun: nothing, no, nobody, etc.. 7. Reciprocal pronoun Show that an action is two-way: each other, one another, etc 8. Relative Clause: Used to introduce clauses in sentences who, whose, which, that, etc.. 9. Quantifier: Expresses quantity. some, any, something, much, many, little, etc. Verb: Verbs are one of the major grammatical groups, and all sentences must contain one. Verbs refer to an action (do, break, walk, etc.) or a state (be, like, own). The verb tense shows the time of the action or state. Aspect shows whether the action or state is completed or not. Voice is used to show relationships between the action and the people affected by it. Mood shows the attitude of the speaker about the verb, whether it is a declaration or an order. Verbs can be affected by person and number to show agreement with the subject. Auxiliary verb !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Adverb: In English, most adverbs are formed by adding -ly to an Adjective. An adverb is a word that modifies the meaning of a Verb; an Adjective; another adverb; a Noun or Noun Phrase; Determiner; a Numeral; a Pronoun; or a Prepositional Phrase and can sometimes be used as a Complement of a Preposition.

Adjective: An adjective modifies a noun. It describes the quality, state or action that a noun refers to. Adjective rules: i) Adjectives can come before nouns e.g. a new car ii) Adjectives can come after verbs such as be, become, seem, look, etc. e.g. that car looks fast iii) They can be modified by adverbs e.g. a very expensive car iv) They can be used as complements to a noun e.g. the extras make the car expensive Preposition: A preposition is a word that links a noun, pronoun or gerund to other words. They can have a variety of meanings: Direction: He's going TO the shops Location: It's IN the box Time: He left AFTER the lesson had finished Possession: The Government OF Italy Some prepositional phrases can function like single word prepositions; next to, in front of, etc., called complex prepositions.A complex preposition is a group of words that functions as a single preposition e.g. IN FRONT OF Conjunctions: A conjunction is a word like AND, BUT, WHEN, OR, etc., which connects words, phrases or clauses.

Interjection: An interjection is a word or short phrase used in speech to gain attention, to exclaim, protest or command. Interjections can be used to show emotion such as surprise or shock. Interjections are often found at the beginning of a sentence, especially in speech, and are commonly followed by an exclamation mark or a comma.

The Elements of Syntax


Syntax is the study of the rules governing sentence structure, the way words work together to make up a sentence. Clause: A Clause is a part of a sentence that usually contains a Subject and a Verb. It is usually connected to the other part of the Sentence by a Conjunction. It is not a complete sentence on its own. Complement: A complement is the part of a Sentence that comes after the Verb and is needed to make the sentence complete. The following are the most important types of complement used in English: SUBJECT COMPLEMENT e.g. He's a surveyor. (The Subject is completed by the complement to the verb) OBJECT COMPLEMENT e.g. She sent him the fax. (The sentence is completed by telling us what she sent to him.) ADJECTIVAL COMPLEMENT e.g. They'll be happy. (The sentence is completed by the Adjective; this could be extended further, they'll be happy to see us, etc..) PREPOSITIONAL COMPLEMENT e.g. They talked about what needed doing. (The sentence is completed by the Phrase linked to the verb by the Preposition.) Modifier: A word, phrase, or clause that limits or qualifies the sense of another word or word group.

Object: The object of a verb is created, affected or altered by the action of a verb, or appreciated or sensed by the subject of the verb. e.g. He wrote the book. ('book' is the object, created by the action of writing) e.g. I saw the film. ('film' is the object, sensed by the subject seeing it) Phrase: A phrase is a group of words that go together, but do not make a complete sentence. Predicate: A simple sentence can be divided into two parts; the subject and the predicate, which is the verb and any complement of the verb, which can include the object, adverbial,etc. Subject Predicate: e.g. She laughed. She wrote a book.

Sentence: A sentence is a group of words beginning with a capital letter and ending with a full-stop, exclamation or question mark in written language, containing a main verb.

Subject: The subject or of a sentence is the noun, pronoun or noun phrase that precedes and governs the main verb. e.g. He is a really nice guy. ('He' is the subject of the sentence, controlling the verb and the complement. e.g. My dog attacked the burglar. ('My dog' is the subject, controlling the verb and the rest of the sentence.)

Punctuation

Apostrophe: ' Used to indicate possession 1) With nouns (plural and singular) not ending in an s add 's. e.g.the children's books, the people's parliament, a Mother's pride 2) With plural nouns ending in an s, add only the apostrophe. e.g. the guards' duties, the Nuns' habits, the Joneses' house 3) With singular nouns ending in an s, you can add either 's or an apostrophe alone. e.g. the witness's lie or the witness' lie (be consistent) Exception: ancient or religious names. e.g. Jesus' strength, Achilles' heel 4a) For common possession, only add 's to the last name. e.g. Janet and Jane's house 4b) Where possession is not common, add to each. e.g. Janet's and Jane's homes Pronouns With the exception of one's, pronouns (its, his, hers) do not require an apostrophe. To indicate contractions Where letters or numbers have been omitted. e.g. the summer of '69, the house wasn't at its best, that isn't the right way, it's not bad

Asterisk: * A star-shaped figure (*) used chiefly to indicate an omission, a reference to a footnote, or an unattested word, sound, or affix. Comma: ,

Between a list of three or more words, to replace the word and for all but the last instance. e.g. Up, down, left and right. Before a conjunction: 1) When but or for are used. e.g. I did my best to protect the camp, but the bears were too aggressive. 2) When and or or are used the comma is optional. e.g. The flag is red, white, and blue. [known as the Oxford comma] The sizes are small, medium or large. To give additional information: 1) To indicate contrast. e.g. The snake was brown, not green, and it was quite small. 2) Where the phrase could be in brackets. e.g. The recipe, which we hadn't tried before, is very easy to follow. 3) Where the phrase adds relevant information. e.g. Mr Hardy, 68, ran his first marathon five years ago. 4) Where the addition is not necessary to the meaning of the sentence. e.g. Mr Hardy, who enjoys bird watching, ran his first marathon five years ago. 5) Where the main clause of the sentence is dependent on the preceding clause. e.g. If at first you don't succeed, give up. e.g. Though the snake was small, I still feared for my life. For opening phrases, conjunctive verbs, etc. 1) Introductory or opening phrases. e.g. In general, sixtyeight is quite old to run a marathon.

e.g. On the whole, snakes only attack when riled. 2) Conjunctive verbs. e.g. Unfortunately, the bear was already in a bad mood e.g. and, furthermore, pink wasn't its colour. 3) Following for example, that is, etc e.g. You should use commas, for example, around 'for example'. e.g. There are some exceptions: namely, when using abbreviations. Where a pause is required 1) To make the reading more natural. e.g. Whatever happens, don't panic. 2) To avoid confusion. e.g. To Margaret, Jenny left her favourite book. In address or quotation 1) When addressing someone by name. e.g. So, Murray, I'm sending you to Outer Mongolia. 2) When quoting direct speech. e.g. And then the boss said, "I'm sending you to Outer Mongolia." To indicate the omission of a word or phrase Use too much sugar and the mixture will be sweet, [use] too little and it will be sour. Colon: : Before a list, summary or quote

1) Before a list. e.g. I could only find three of the ingredients: sugar, flour and coconut. 2) Before a summary. e.g. To summarise: we found the camp, set up our tent and then the bears attacked. 3) Before a quote. e.g. As Jane Austen wrote: it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. to complete a statement of fact. Where the colon is used in place of the following or thus. e.g. There are only three kinds of people: the good, the bad and the ugly. Double quotation mark: " " Used for direct speech. e.g. Janet asked, "Why can't we go today?"

Ellipsis: ... A punctuation mark (...) used most often within quotations to indicate that something has been left out. e.g. If we leave out parts of the above definition, it can read: A punctuation mark (...) used most often ... to indicate...

Dash: For emphasis:

e.g. The book was great a really good read. For explanation or addition: In place of brackets or commas: e.g. The Colour Of Magic the first of the series was written in 1989.

Em-dash: The em dash (), or m dash, m-rule, etc., often demarcates a parenthetical thoughtlike this oneor some similar interpolation. The em dash is used in much the way a colon or set of parentheses is used: it can show an abrupt change in thought or be used where a full stop (or "period") is too strong and a comma too weak. Em dashes are sometimes used in lists or definitions, but that is a style guide issue; a colon is often recommended for use instead.

En-dash: The en dash, or n dash, n-rule, etc., () is roughly the width of the letter n. It is half the size of an em dash. The en dash is used in ranges, such as 610 years, read as "six to ten years".

Exclamation mark: ! Add emphasis to the statement by using an exclamation mark. e.g. I loved the play!

Full-stop: . End all other sentences with a full stop.

e.g. Here endeth the lesson for today.

Hyphen: With some prefixes and suffixes 1) To avoid multiple letters. e.g. re-evaluate [reevaluate] 2) If the root word is capitalised. e.g. pre-Christmas, anti-European 3) With specific prefixes and suffixes. e.g. self-sacrificing, all-seeing, ex-wife, vice-chairman, president-elect 4) To avoid ambiguity or awkward pronunciation. e.g. un-ionised [unionised], re-read 5) Where a list of words each have the same prefix or suffix. e.g. pre- and post-recession, over-and under-weight To form compound words 1) For clarity. e.g. sit-in, stand-out, Mother-In-Law 2) In compound adjectives that modify what they precede. e.g. blue-chip company, devil-may-care attitude, up-to-the-minute news With fractions, numbers and initial letters 1) With fractions and numbers between 21 and 99. e.g. one-half, sixty-our, twenty-eight and three-quarters

2) Words that start with a capital letter e.g. X-ray, T-shirt, U-Turn Also used to divide words at the right hand margin.

Parentheses: [[egg]] [ ] For additional information or explanation 1) To clarify or inform. e.g. Jamie's bike was red (bright red) with a yellow stripe. 2) For asides and comments e.g. The bear was pink (I kid you not).

Use square brackets for editorial information, etc 1) To amend or supplement the given details e.g. His first book [The Colour Of Magic] was written in 1989. 2) To replace phrases for clarity or brevity e.g. [The treaty] decreed that no bear should be painted pink.

Question Mark: ? End direct questions, requiring a response, with a question mark. e.g. May I borrow your copy of the book? What did you think of the play?

Semicolon: ; To link two separate sentences that are closely related e.g. The children came home today; they had been away for a week. In a list that already contains commas e.g. Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry; Babylon 5, by JMS; Buffy, by Joss Whedon; and Farscape, from the Henson Company.

Single quotation mark: ' ' For quotes inside quotes, use single quotation marks. e.g. Billy said, "So then John told her 'I don't want to go today' and Janet cried." For words that are defined, that follow certain phrases or that have special meaning 1) Stating a definition. e.g. 'Buch' is German for book. 2) Following phrases such as entitled, marked and the term. e.g. The book was signed 'Terry Pratchett'. 3) Special meanings, noting inaccuracies or misnomers, etc. e.g. The 'free gift' actually cost us forty pounds.

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