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.

Potatoes vs Potatos

What’s the difference between them?

Potatoes

Meaning:

Potatoes are a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum. They are a popular food crop worldwide and are used in a variety of dishes.

Examples:

1. I boiled the potatoes for dinner.

2. My mom made mashed potatoes for a side dish.

3. We roasted potatoes in the oven for our lunch.

Potatos

Meaning:

Misspelling of the word “potatoes.”

Examples:

no examples

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Potatoes

There are no direct synonyms for this word.

There are no direct antonyms for this word.

Potatos

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 "Potatoes", "Potatos".

1. Remember that the plural of 'Potato' is spelled 'Potatoes'.

2. Remember that correct spelling ends with 'toes' like the plural of the leg finger.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

When to use the first word?

The first word, ‘potatoes’, is the correct spelling and should always be used. It is a plural noun referring to the starchy tuberous crop grown in the ground for its edible tubers. In English, the plural form of a word is usually the correct form.

When to use the second word?

The second word, ‘potatos’, is not a real word and should never be used in writing or speaking. It is a common misspelling of the word ‘potatoes,’ which is the plural form of the noun.

Do the words have the same pronunciation?

Yes, both words have the same pronunciation. They are both pronounced with a long ‘a’ sound and the stress on the first syllable. The words are often confused because of their similar spelling, but they have different meanings.

What are common mistakes associated with words 'Potatoes' and 'Potatos'?

One of the most common mistakes associated with these words is the incorrect spelling of ‘potatos’ instead of ‘potatoes.’ This is a common misspelling, but it is important to remember that the word ‘potatoes’ is the correct spelling. Additionally, some people may also mistakenly use the singular form of the word when referring to multiple potatoes. This is incorrect, as the plural form should always be used.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. I like to eat ________ with butter and salt.

2. I went to the ________ store to buy some potatoes.

3. I found some ________ that were on sale.

4. My favorite way to cook ________ is to bake them.

5. I added some diced ________ to the soup.

6. ________ are a great source of starch and fiber.

1. Answer: potatoes.