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.

Hooves vs Hoofs

What’s the difference between them?

Hooves

Meaning:

Hooves are the hard, rounded protective coverings of the feet of certain mammals such as horses, cattle, and goats.

Examples:

1. The sound of the horse's hooves clomping against the ground filled the air.

2. She watched the farm animals moving about, the clatter of their hooves echoing through the barn.

3. The horse galloped forward, its powerful hooves pounding the earth.

Hoofs

Meaning:

rare spelling of 'hooves.'

Examples:

1. The horses' hoofs pounded against the ground as it raced towards the finish line.

2. We heard the clatter of the hoofs as the cart passed by.

3. The farmer inspected the cow's hoofs for any signs of injury.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Hooves

1. Cloven hoofs

2. Paws

3. Pads

4. Hoofprints

5. Equine extremities

1. Paws

2. Claws

3. Soles

4. Sneakers

5. Shoes

Hoofs

1. Cloven hooves

2. Paws

3. Trotters

4. Digits

5. Feet

1. Paws

2. Claws

3. Soles

4. Sneakers

5. Shoes

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Hooves", "Hoofs".

1. Hooves (with the 'e') is the correct plural form of the word hoof.

2. Hoofs is a rare spelling, which is used in some dialects.

3. Use 'hooves' when you in doubt.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the word 'hooves' be used?

The word 'hooves' is used to refer to the horns on the feet of a horse or cow. It is commonly used when talking about the anatomy of an animal or to describe the sound of a horse or cow walking or running.

When is the appropriate context for using the word 'hoofs'?

The word 'hoofs' has the same meaning, but its usage is very rare.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. The word 'hooves' is pronounced as /hu:vz/, while hoofs is pronounced as /hu:fz/

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

Common mistakes people make when using these words include using the wrong spelling, interchanging the two words, or mispronouncing them.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. He carefully trimmed the hooves of the horse.

2. The farmer inspected the hoofs of each cow.

3. The sheep quietly trotted on their hooves.

4. The blacksmith pounded on the hoofs of the animal.

5. The deer ran across the meadow on their delicate hooves.

6. He shod the hoofs of the donkey with metal shoes.

1. Hooves.