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.

Sweeped vs Swept

What’s the difference between them?

Sweeped

Meaning:

This is not a word in the English language. It is a frequent misspelling of the past tense of the verb 'sweep.'

Examples:

no examples

Swept

Meaning:

To clean or clear away by sweeping.

Examples:

1. The wind swept through the trees.

2. She quickly swept the dirt from the floor.

3. The waves swept the shoreline.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Sweeped

This word doesn't exist, so there are no synonyms for it.

This word doesn't exist, so there are no antonyms for it.

Swept

1. Cleared

2. Wiped

3. Tidied

4. Scrubbed

5. Scoured

1. Untidy

2. Messy

3. Disarray

4. Unkempt

5. Undone

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Sweeped", "Swept".

1. Sweeped is not a valid word in either American English or British English.

2. Swept is the correct form in both.

3. Mnemonic phrases: Swept clean, swept the floor.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word be used?

The first word, 'sweeped,' should be avoided since it's not an English word.

When is the appropriate context for using the second word?

The second word, 'swept,' is used when describing the act of sweeping in the past tense.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. 'Sweeped' is pronounced with two syllables--'swee-ped'--whereas 'swept' is pronounced with only one--'swept.'

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

A common mistake people make when using these words is to think they are interchangeable, when in fact they are used in different tenses. 'Sweeped' should be avoided, while 'swept' should be used when referring to the past tense of 'to sweep.'

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. She carefully __ her front porch every morning.

2. He __ the leaves off the driveway.

3. They __ the floor of the room before vacuuming.

4. The children had __ the sand from the beach.

5. The wind __ away the clouds in the sky.

6. They had __ the entire house before they slept.

1. She carefully swept her front porch every morning.

Explanation: The verb sweep means to clean or clear away dirt or debris by brushing or pushing it. The word swept is the past tense form of the verb sweep, and since the sentence is in the past tense, swept would be the correct word to use.

2. He swept the leaves off the driveway.

3. They swept the floor of the room before vacuuming.

4. The children had swept the sand from the beach.

5. The wind swept away the clouds in the sky.

6. They had swept the entire house before they slept.

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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.

List of Commonly Confused Words

Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.

Affect vs. Effect Analysis vs. Analyses Greatful or Grateful Center vs. Centre Loss vs. Lost Seat vs. Sit

Sweeped vs Swept

Sweeped

Meaning:

Examples:

Swept

Meaning:

Examples:

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Tricks for mastery

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word be used?

When is the appropriate context for using the second word?

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

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

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

List of Commonly Confused Words

How to pronounce

Grammar Articles

What part of speech