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.

Himself vs Him self

What’s the difference between them?

Himself

Meaning:

Reflexive pronoun referring to the person being spoken about; used to refer back to the subject of a sentence or clause.

Examples:

1. He prided himself on his hard work and dedication.

2. He decided to take matters into his own hands and fix the problem himself.

3. He kept himself busy with various projects.

Him self

Meaning:

This is not a valid word; it is a frequent misspelling of 'himself'.

Examples:

no examples

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Himself

1. His own self

2. Himself alone

3. He alone

4. By himself

5. On his own

1. Herself

2. Somebody else

3. Somebody different

4. Another person

5. A different individual

Him self

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 "Himself", "Him self".

1. Himself is a reflexive pronoun and is used to refer back to the subject of a sentence.

2. Him self is two words is not valid and shouldn't be used

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word be used?

The word 'himself' is a reflexive pronoun that is used to refer back to a male subject (he, himself, his). It is typically used to emphasize a statement (e.g. 'He did the work himself').

When is the appropriate context for using the second word?

The two words 'him' and 'self' should not be used as a phrase since it doesn't make sense.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. 'Himself' is pronounced as 'him-sel-f' and 'him self' is pronounced as 'him-sel-f.'

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

One common mistake people make when using these two words is confusing 'himself' with 'him self'. It is important to note that the two words should not be used interchangeably, and that 'himself' should only be used when referring to the same male subject.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. She was so impressed with his work that she awarded the prize to ________.

2. She was determined to succeed ________, without any help from others.

3. He was the only one to blame for the mistake, he had to accept ________.

4. He was so dedicated to his work that he chose to sacrifice ________.

5. He didnt want to involve anyone else in his troubles, so he took care of the issue ________.

6. He was determined to succeed, regardless of the consequences for ________.

1. Himself