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.

Valentines vs Valentine’s

What’s the difference between them?

Valentines

Meaning:

plural of 'valentine,' which means a sweetheart usually gifted on the Valentine's Day.

Examples:

1. I bought several Valentines for school event.

2. I usually give my friends Valentines cards every year.

Valentine’s

Meaning:

possessive form for 'Valentine'; usually refers to the day of love and romance.

Examples:

1. I'm giving my wife a special Valentine's gift this year.

2. The restaurant was bustling with couples on Valentine's Day.

3. We made homemade cards for our classmates on Valentine's Day.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Valentines

Love notes

heart cards

There are no direct antonyms for this word.

Valentine’s

There are no direct synonyms for this word.

There are no direct antonyms for this word.

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Valentines", "Valentine’s".

1. Valentines is a plural noun meaning multiple Valentine’s Day cards or gifts.

2. Valentine’s is a possessive noun referring to a single card or gift given on Valentine’s Day.

3. To remember the difference, visually add 'day' after the word. If the sentence still makes sence, there should be an apostrophe. If no, there should be an apostrophe.

Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words

Frequently asked questions

When to use the first word?

The first word 'Valentines' is used to refer to the holiday of Valentine’s Day in a plural sense. For example, you could say, 'We will be gifting valentines to our family this year.'

When to use the second word?

The second word 'Valentine’s' is used to refer to Valentine’s Day in a singular sense. For example, you could say, 'We will be celebrating Valentine’s with our family this year.'

Do the words have the same pronunciation?

Yes, both words are pronounced the same. Both are pronounced as 'val-ent-eens' with a short e sound.

What are common mistakes associated with words?

One common mistake is confusion between the two words. Remember that 'Valentines' is used for the plural sense and 'Valentine’s' for the singular sense. Additionally, people sometimes forget to add an apostrophe to the second word, resulting in 'Valentines' being used for both singular and plural senses.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. I love sending __________ to my friends and family.

2. On __________ Day, I always make sure to give my loved ones something special.

3. I got a beautiful bouquet of roses for __________ last year.

4. Its so nice to show your appreciation for someone on __________.

5. I like to buy __________ decorations to make my home look festive.

6. I usually send my __________ gifts in the mail a few days before the holiday.

1. Valentines.

Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap is Valentines in order to make the sentence grammatically correct and to make it refer to the sending of cards for the holiday of Valentines Day.

2. Valentines.