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.

Proved vs Proven

What’s the difference between them?

Proved

Meaning:

verb; verified or confirmed as true; demonstrated.

Examples:

1. She proved her loyalty by helping him in his time of need.

2. The experiment proved to be a success.

3. His hard work proved to be worth the effort.

Proven

Meaning:

alternative spelling of 'proved.'

Examples:

1. The efficacy of the new medication has been proven in clinical trials.

2. Her success in the industry is proven by the awards she has won.

3. The documents you submitted to the court have proven your innocence.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Proved

1. Demonstrated

2. Affirmed

3. Validated

4. Confirmed

5. Established beyond doubt

1. Disproved

2. Refuted

3. Rejected

4. Denied

5. Contradicted

Proven

1. Demonstrated

2. Established

3. Verified

4. Tested

5. Confirmed

1. Disputed

2. Unverified

3. Unsubstantiated

4. Unconfirmed

5. Not Established

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Proved", "Proven".

1. Both spellings are correct.

2. You may use both versions interchangeably.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word be used?

'Proved' is the standard past tense and past participle form of the verb 'prove.' It should be used when describing actions or situations that have been verified, confirmed, or demonstrated as true. For example, 'She proved her theory through rigorous experimentation.'

When is the appropriate context for using the second word?

'Proven' is an alternative spelling of 'proved' and can be used interchangeably in the same contexts. Both words are used to convey the same meaning of something being verified or confirmed. For instance, 'His dedication to the project has proven/proved invaluable.'

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, prooved is pronounced /pruːvd/ while proven is pronounced /ˈpruː.vən/.

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

One common mistake is assuming that 'proven' and 'proved' have different meanings due to their spelling variations. They have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. However, 'proved' is more common in American English, while 'proven' is often preferred in British English. It's essential to use the appropriate spelling based on the dialect or style guide you are following.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. His commitment to his team has been ________ beyond doubt.

2. His credentials have been ________ to be authentic.

3. After a long trial, the defendants guilt was ________.

4. The theory has been ________ to be incorrect.

5. She ________ her loyalty to the cause.

6. It ________ that he was innocent of the crime.

1. proved/proven