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.

Passersby vs Passerbys

What’s the difference between them?

Passersby

Meaning:

Passersby are people who are moving past a certain location or area, usually on foot.

Examples:

1. The passersby looked in amazement at the giant balloon.

2. Passersby stopped to watch the street performer.

3. Passersby were startled by the sudden sound of thunder.

Passerbys

Meaning:

Misspelling of the word “passersby.”

Examples:

no examples

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Passersby

Bystanders

onlookers

participant

Passerbys

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 "Passersby", "Passerbys".

1. Passersby is used to refer to multiple people that are passing by, while Passerbys is an incorrect spelling and is not used.

2. Memorize the phrase 'Bye Bye Passersby' to remember that passersby has two b's in it.

3. Remember that Passersby has a letter 's' before the 'b', which stands for 'several'.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

When to use the first word, 'Passersby'?

Passersby is used to refer to multiple people that are simply walking past a particular place. It is usually used in a collective sense to refer to strangers or people who are not familiar with the place. For instance, the police observed the passersby as they searched for the suspect.

When to use the second word, 'Passerbys'?

Passerbys is an incorrect spelling of the word 'passersby'. The correct spelling is 'passersby' with no 's' after the 'by'.

Do the words have the same pronunciation?

These words have different pronunciation, but you have to remember only 'passersby', which is pronounced as /pæs.ərzˈbɑɪ/. Passerbys is not a word, so you shouldn't remember any kind of its pronunciation.

What are common mistakes associated with words 'passersby' and 'passerbys'?

The most common mistake associated with these words is incorrect spelling. Passerbys is not a correct spelling, and should be written as 'passersby'. Other common mistakes include incorrect pronunciation and not understanding when to use the words. Passersby is only used in a collective sense to refer to multiple people, and not to refer to a single person.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. Many ___________ stopped to take a look at the beautiful art exhibit.

2. Its best to be aware of ___________ when walking in the city.

3. We noticed some ___________ jaywalking through the intersection.

4. The ___________ were taking pictures of the iconic landmark.

5. The ___________ seemed to be in a hurry.

6. Onlookers watched in awe as the ___________ went by.

1. Passersby