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.

Kneeled vs Knelt

What’s the difference between them?

Kneeled

Meaning:

less popular spelling of 'knelt.'

Examples:

1. The little girl knelt at her mother's feet and begged her to buy her a new toy.

2. The soldier knelt in front of the gravestone of his fallen comrade and paid his respects.

3. The congregation knelt in prayer as the minister began to speak.

Knelt

Meaning:

To go down to one knee or rest on one knee, typically in reverence or submission.

Examples:

1. The priest knelt in prayer for the service to begin.

2. The little girl knelt beside her bed and said her nightly prayers.

3. He knelt down and proposed to his wife in the middle of the park.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Kneeled

1. Crouched

2. Knelt

3. Squatted

4. Prostrated

5. Bowed down

1. Stood

2. Rose

3. Levitated

4. Jumped

5. Reclined

Knelt

1. Prostrated

2. Crouched

3. Supplicated

4. Squatted

5. Bent the knee

1. Stood

2. Rose

3. Stood up

4. Upright

5. Elevated

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Kneeled", "Knelt".

1. Both spellings are correct.

2. 'Knelt' is used more often both in American and British English.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word 'kneeled' be used?

Kneeled should be used when one wishes to go down to one knee or rest on one knee, typically in reverence or submission. This could be in a religious context, such as during prayer, or in a more formal setting such as proposing marriage.

When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'knelt'?

Knelt is also used in the same context as kneeled; however, it is the more popular spelling of the word.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

Yes, the two words share the same pronunciation.

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

One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is confusing the spelling. People often use the less popular spelling 'kneeled' when they should be using 'knelt'. Another mistake is not using the words in the correct context; these words should only be used when one wishes to go down to one knee or rest on one knee, typically in reverence or submission.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. The groom ____ down when he proposed to his bride.

2. The reverend ____ during his prayer.

3. When she accepted her award, the actress ____ in appreciation.

4. I ____ to pick up the pen I had dropped.

5. All the students ____ in respect for the national anthem.

6. She ____ to recite her lines for the audition.

1. Knelt