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.

Formulas vs Formulae

What’s the difference between them?

Formulas

Meaning:

plural of 'formula' that refers to an equation or a set of mathematical instructions that are used to solve a problem.'

Examples:

1. The chemist memorized several formulas to reference during the experiment.

2. I learned formulas in math class to help me solve equations.

3. The formula for calculating the area of a triangle is A=1/2bh.

Formulae

Meaning:

less popular variant of 'formulas.'

Examples:

1. The high school physics teacher wrote several scientific formulae on the whiteboard.

2. The engineer calculated the cost of the project by using various mathematical formulae.

3. The chemist memorized a variety of chemistry formulae in order to pass the exam.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Formulas

1. Equations

2. Recipes

3. Algorithms

4. Expressions

5. Rules of thumb

1. Randomness

2. Inaccuracy

3. Arbitrariness

4. Unpredictability

5. Unstructuredness

Formulae

1. Equations

2. Algorithms

3. Recipes

4. Calculations

5. Prescriptions

1. Guesswork

2. Trial and error

3. Intuition

4. Chaos

5. Disorder

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Formulas", "Formulae".

1. Formulas and formulae are both nouns that refer to a set of rules or equations that explain the relationships between different concepts or variables.

2. There is no difference since both spelling are correct. 'Formulas' is more popular spelling.

3. If you are in doubt, use 'Formulas.'

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

When should 'Formulas' be used?

Formulas are used in mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering, and other sciences to calculate or express a certain process or equation. They are usually written using symbols and can also be expressed in plain language.

When is the appropriate context for using 'Formulae'?

Formulae are the plural of formula and are also a way of expressing a certain process or equation, usually used in the same contexts as formulas. They can be written with symbols, but are more often written in plain language.

Do 'Formulas' and 'Formulae' share the same pronunciation?

Yes, both words are pronounced the same – 'for-myu-luh' – with the emphasis on the second syllable.

What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?

Since both words are correct, there are no common mistakes in using them. If you are in doubt which word to use, always use 'formulas' since this spelling is more popular.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. The professor explained the intricate ____________ of calculus to the students.

2. The ____________ in the laboratory are used to test the chemical properties of various substances.

3. The students had to memorize hundreds of ____________ for their chemistry exam.

4. The ____________ of trigonometry can be used to calculate angles in various shapes.

5. The professor wrote the ____________ on the board for the students to copy down.

6. The students were expected to understand the mathematical ____________ by the end of the semester.

1. Formulae/formulas