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.

Upmost vs Utmost

What’s the difference between them?

Upmost

Meaning:

The greatest or highest degree; extreme.

Examples:

1. She demonstrates the upmost respect for her colleagues.

2. He puts forth his upmost effort to get the job done.

3. They hold themselves to the upmost standards of excellence.

Utmost

Meaning:

Meaning is the same.

Examples:

1. I will do my utmost to make sure that all of our guests feel welcome.

2. We strive to provide our clients with the utmost quality of service.

3. I promise to do my utmost best to make sure that the project is successful.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Upmost

1. Supreme

2. Utmost

3. Paramount

4. Highest degree

5. Maximum extent

1. Bottommost

2. Least

3. Inferior

4. Lowest

5. Worst

Utmost

1. Supreme

2. Utmost

3. Paramount

4. Highest degree

5. Maximum extent

1. Bottommost

2. Least

3. Inferior

4. Lowest

5. Worst

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Upmost", "Utmost".

1. Both 'utmost' and 'upmost' mean to the highest degree or extreme.

2. 'Utmost' is more common variant, so use it when in doubt.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word be used?

The word ‘upmost’ is used to describe the highest degree of something, as in ‘he achieved the upmost excellence.’ It is usually used to refer to a quality or level that is of the highest degree.

When is the appropriate context for using the second word?

The word ‘utmost’ is used in a similar way to ‘upmost’, and can be used to refer to the highest degree of something. It is usually used to refer to a level of effort, as in ‘he put forth his utmost effort.’

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

No, 'upmost' is pronounced as /ˈʌp.moʊst/, while 'utmost' is pronounced as /ˈʌt.moʊst/.

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

The words are interchangeable, so there aren't common mistakes in their usage.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. He was met with the __________ kindness and generosity.

2. Her painting was hailed as an __________ masterpiece.

3. He worked hard to reach the __________ possible level of success.

4. She had the __________ compassion for those in need.

5. He had an __________ amount of patience.

6. His dedication was __________ admirable.

1. He was met with the upmost/utmost kindness and generosity.