How can I learn English by reading?

The answer depends on your current skills and how well you learn from books and online content. Reading helps you develop vocabulary, understand the structure, and pick up nuances of punctuation and grammar from seeing how others use it. You can learn simply by engaging in active reading while trying to improve your language skills.Some people can absorb English from textbooks and develop incredible skills from reading alone. However, they’re incredibly rare, and you’ll most likely need some help and advice on your journey to fluency.If you choose to take a Promova English class, reading will also be combined with other activities to help you develop overall comprehension. For example, you’ll interact with a certified tutor who will ask you questions about the text and your opinions, improving your communication skills and expression.

How can I practice English reading comprehension?

There are several ways to improve your comprehension:Ask Questions. Start your reading with a quick skim of the upcoming text to prepare for what you’re about to read. After reading a section, quickly go through it again to see if there’s anything you missed.Skim and re-read. Start your reading with a quick skim of the upcoming text to prepare for what you’re about to read. After you’re done reading a section, quickly go through it again to see if there’s anything you missed.Look for context. Texts don’t exist in isolation and usually have many references, history, or related materials. If you can find out where the author is coming from, you can understand ideas much more quickly.Improve fluency. Spend time sharpening other skills such as listening, speaking, and writing. You can get back to reading later with a new vocabulary and awareness of the language.Lastly, taking English reading and writing classes can help you see the language from various angles and develop better comprehension by engaging with a teacher and getting feedback.

What types of English reading can I learn?

We separate reading into three types based on your purpose - why you might be doing it:Skimming. You’re reading for gist - to get the main ideas from the text. For example, you might be deciding whether a book is worth buying by skimming different chapters to see if it interests you.Scanning. You’re reading to get something in particular from the text and retain specific information. For example, you might be reading a restaurant menu trying to find a dish with shrimps in it, then you’re scanning through the text for the word ‘shrimp’.Intensive reading. You’re reading for detailed comprehension. For example, you’ve received an email from a friend who has just relocated to Canada in which he or she is telling you about their first few weeks in this country. In this case, you might be interested in all the details and even some hidden nuances and inferences, so you will be reading for detail.Extensive reading. You’re reading easy, enjoyable texts without focusing on details or doing any comprehension tasks or examining the text for vocabulary or grammar. This type of reading helps build up fluency by getting used to the language.Learning all the above techniques can help you adjust your reading style and speed depending on your purpose.

Calves vs Calfs

What’s the difference between them?

Calves

Meaning:

Calves are the muscular lower legs of a mammal, especially a cow, horse, or human.

Examples:

1. The calves were grazing in the meadow.

2. The calves were born in the spring.

3. We go to the farm to bottle-feed the calves every weekend.

Calfs

Meaning:

Common misspelling of “calves.”

Examples:

no examples

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Calves

There are no direct synonyms for this word.

There are no direct antonyms for this word.

Calfs

This word doesn't exist, so there are no synonyms for it.

This word doesn't exist, so there are no antonyms for it.

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Calves", "Calfs".

1. Remember that the word 'calves' refers to the animals, while 'calfs' is an incorrect spelling.

2. Think of other words that change 'f' to 'ves' in the plural, like 'leaf' to 'leaves' or 'knife' to 'knives.' This can help reinforce the pattern.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

When to use the first word?

The word 'calves' should be used when talking about the lower parts of the legs of two-legged animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep. It can be used as a plural noun to refer to more than one calf, or it can refer to the singular calf in a group.

When to use the second word?

The word 'calfs' is not a word in English. It is a common mistake people make when typing the word 'calves'.

Do the words have the same pronunciation?

Yes, the words 'calves' and 'calfs' have the same pronunciation. The 's' at the end of both words is silent.

What are common mistakes associated with words 'Calves,' 'Calfs'?

The most common mistake associated with the words 'calves' and 'calfs' is confusing the two. 'Calves' is the correct spelling and should be used when referring to the lower parts of the legs of two-legged animals. 'Calfs' is not a word and should be avoided.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. I saw three __________ grazing in the field.

2. He used a rope to tie up the __________.

3. The __________ kicked and struggled to get away.

4. The farmer milked the __________ every morning.

5. The __________ grew quickly and were soon sold.

6. The __________ were too heavy for him to lift.

1. Calves.