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.

Supposedly vs Supposably

What’s the difference between them?

Supposedly

Meaning:

Supposedly means 'as far as one knows or believes; reportedly; allegedly.'

Examples:

1. Supposedly, the package will arrive by tomorrow.

2. Supposedly, the new restaurant has the best food in the city.

3. Supposedly, the exam is going to be very difficult.

Supposably

Meaning:

This word is not an actual word and is a misspelling of 'supposedly'.

Examples:

no examples

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Supposedly

1. Allegedly

2. Rumored

3. Apparently

4. Ostensibly

5. Reportedly

1. Actuality

2. Undeniably

3. Certainly

4. Doubtlessly

5. Unquestionably

Supposably

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 "Supposedly", "Supposably".

1. 'Supposedly' is the standard form used in both American and British English. It is used to express something that is thought to be true, but is not necessarily confirmed.

2. 'Supposably' is not a word.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word 'supposedly' be used?

The adverb 'supposedly' is typically used to indicate that something has been reported, but not necessarily confirmed. It is often used in conversation to indicate doubt or uncertainty about the veracity of the statement. For example, 'He supposedly quit his job'.

When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'supposably'?

The adverb 'supposably' is not commonly used in modern English. It was once more popular, but its meaning has been largely supplanted by the word 'supposedly'.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, supposedly is pronounced as /səˈpoʊ.zɪd.li/, whil supposably is pronounced as /səˈpoʊ.zə.bli/.

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

One common mistake is that some people assume that the words 'supposedly' and 'supposably' have the same meaning. While both words imply some uncertainty about the truth of a statement, 'supposedly' is the more commonly used term and 'supposably' should be avoided in modern English.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. He ___ had the experience of living in a different country.

2. We cannot be sure what happened, its all ___ true.

3. The report is ___ accurate.

4. The situation is ___ a complex one.

5. She ___ lost her job due to the economic downturn.

6. We ___ believe that the government is not doing enough to help those in need.

1. He supposedly had the experience of living in a different country.