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.

Sneaked vs Snuck

What’s the difference between them?

Sneaked

Meaning:

past tense of 'sneak'; to move, act, or go in a furtive, stealthy, or clandestine manner; creep.

Examples:

1. She sneaked out of the house after her parents went to bed.

2. Jim sneaked a quick glance at the test before the teacher came in.

3. The cat sneaked up on the unsuspecting mouse.

Snuck

Meaning:

alternative spelling for the past tense of 'sneak'.

Examples:

1. I snuck out of the house early in the morning without anyone noticing.

2. He snuck into the movie theater without paying for a ticket.

3. She snuck a piece of candy from the jar without asking permission.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Sneaked

1. Crept

2. Slipped

3. Slinked

4. Slunk

5. Tiptoed stealthily

1. Appeared

2. Emerged

3. Visible

4. Openly Walked

5. Came Out in the Open

Snuck

1. Crept

2. Slipped

3. Sneaked

4. Slinked

5. Skulked

1. Emerged

2. Came out

3. Emerged quietly

4. Appeared

5. Exited stealthily

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Sneaked", "Snuck".

1. 'Sneaked' is the traditional past tense of the verb 'sneak' in British English.

2. 'Snuck' is the common past tense of the verb 'sneak' in American English.

3. To remember the difference between 'sneaked' and 'snuck,' try to remember the phrase 'Sneak-ed in British, Snuck in American.'

4. If you are unsure of the spelling of 'sneak' in the past tense, simply look up the spelling of the past tense in a dictionary according to the English variation you are using.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the 'sneak' be used?

The word 'sneak' should be used when describing the act of moving, acting, or going in a furtive, stealthy, or clandestine manner. It can also be used to describe a person who does this.

When is the appropriate context for using the word 'snuck'?

The word 'snuck' is an alternative spelling of the past tense of 'sneak', which is typically used in informal contexts.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, sneaked is pronounced /snikd/, while snuck is pronounced /snʌk/.

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

One common mistake people make when using these two words is using 'snuck' in formal contexts. 'Sneaked' is generally preferred for formal writing. Another common mistake is confusing 'snuck' with 'sneaked', as they are considered to be the same word.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. I ____ out of the house without telling my parents.

2. The cat ____ through the cat flap.

3. He ____ around the corner to avoid detection.

4. They ____ away without being seen.

5. She ____ into the party without an invitation.

6. We ____ out of the room without making a sound.

1. I snuck out of the house without telling my parents.