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.

Ingrained vs Engrained

What’s the difference between them?

Ingrained

Meaning:

Incapable of being removed or erased; firmly established.

Examples:

1. His ingrained sense of responsibility stopped him from engaging in recklessly dangerous activities.

2. The ingrained prejudices of the time prevented her from achieving her goals.

3. Working hard is an ingrained habit for him and he is rarely seen taking breaks.

Engrained

Meaning:

less popular variant of 'ingrained.'

Examples:

1. His habits were so engrained that he could barely break them.

2. She had an engrained belief that wealth equaled success.

3. His engrained desire for independence drove him to succeed.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Ingrained

1. Deep-seated

2. Inculcated

3. Instilled

4. Imbued

5. Hardwired

1. Unlearned

2. Undeveloped

3. Unfamiliar

4. Unfixed

5. Not Habitual

Engrained

1. Implanted

2. Inculcated

3. Instilled

4. Imbued

5. Deep-rooted

6. Hard-wired

7. Ingrained into the psyche

8. Deeply ingrained

9. Unshakeable

10. Innate

1. Unlearned

2. Unconditioned

3. Disconnected

4. Unrooted

5. Unestablished

6. Free-floating

7. Unhabitual

8. Not ingrained in one's mind

9. Not deeply embedded

10. Not deeply rooted

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Ingrained", "Engrained".

1. Ingrained and engrained are both are both adjectives that mean deeply embedded or firmly established.

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

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

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

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

Ingrained is typically used to refer to something that is deeply rooted or embedded in a person or thing, such as a habit or belief. For example, you might say 'I have an ingrained fear of public speaking' or 'Her ingrained sense of responsibility led her to pursue a career in public service.'

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

Engrained is typically used in a similar context as ingrained, but such spelling is less popular.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

Yes, the two words are pronounced identically: (in-grānd).

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

The most common mistake is confusing 'ingrained' and 'engrained' when writing them out. If you are in doubt, use 'ingrained' since this spelling is more popular.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. She had an __________ sense of right and wrong that was instilled in her from a young age.

2. He was a hard worker, with an __________ belief that success comes from dedication and effort.

3. The children were taught to respect their elders, an __________ trait in their culture.

4. He had an __________ idea that he could never fail at anything he put his mind to.

5. She had an __________ desire to please her parents no matter the cost.

6. It was an __________ belief that the only way to success was through higher education.

1. Ingrained/engrained