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.

By Accident vs On Accident

What’s the difference between them?

By Accident

Meaning:

An event or occurrence that takes place unintentionally or without meaning to do so.

Examples:

1. I found out her secret by accident.

2. I stumbled upon the solution by accident.

3. He met his future wife by accident.

On Accident

Meaning:

Informal, non-standard variant of 'by accident.'

Examples:

1. I spilled the juice on accident.

2. I accidentally locked my keys in the car.

3. I didn't mean to hurt you, it was an accident.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

By Accident

1. Unintentionally

2. Unawares

3. Unforeseen

4. Happenstance

5. By chance

1. Intentionally

2. On Purpose

3. Deliberately

4. Systematically

5. Strategically

On Accident

1. Unintentionally

2. Unawares

3. Unforeseen

4. Happenstance

5. By chance

1. Intentionally

2. Deliberately

3. Purposely

4. By Design

5. On Purpose

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "By Accident", "On Accident".

1. 'On accident' is not technically correct, and it should be generally avoided.

2. A mnemonic device to help remember the correct usage is 'By and By, not On and On.' This phrase helps to remind you that the correct phrase is 'by accident' and not 'on accident.'

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word be used?

'On Accident' should be used when referring to an accidental or unintentional action that has already taken place. For example, 'I left my phone on accident'.

When is the appropriate context for using the second word?

'By Accident' should be used when referring to an accidental or unintentional action that is about to take place or is currently in progress. For example, 'I fell over by accident'.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. 'On accident' is pronounced /on ˈæk.sə.dənt/, while 'by accident' is pronounced as /bai ˈæk.sə.dənt/

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

Common mistakes people make when using these words include using 'on' when they should use 'by.' Remember that 'on accident' is acceptable, but this variant isn't correct. Always refer to 'by accident,' especially in formal writing to avoid misunderstanding.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. She broke her arm __ accident.

2. They were late for school __ accident.

3. I stumbled __ accident.

4. He found out the truth __ accident.

5. I spilled the paint __ accident.

6. We discovered the treasure __ accident.

1. She broke her arm by accident.