Englishfor English speakers
a
Determinative
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A is used when the following word could be any of a certain type.
Compare "A book I saw on the shelf" and "The book I gave you yesterday".
a
Noun
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A is the first letter of the alphabet.
The letter "a" comes before "b".
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In some schools, an A is a very high grade.
Ron got an A on his earth science test.
cry
Verb
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To shout loudly or suddenly.
They cried for us to stop.
cry
Noun
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A cry is a loud shout or scream.
She gave a little cry of fear.
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A period of shedding tears.
He had a good cry.
in
Preposition
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Used to show that something is inside something else.
The cat is in the box.
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Used to show that someone is at home, or is available.
Is John in?
The Doctor is now in.
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Used to show movement towards the inside.
The rain came in through the window.
the
Determiner
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Used, instead of a, to reference something specific, already known to exist.
Compare "I read a book." and "I read the book."
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Used with a stress, to show that the word following is special.
Are you the John Smith that I went to school with?
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Used with an adjective that acts like a noun to mean all of the people concerned
The poor are always with us.
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Used with superlatives forms of adjectives and adverbs.
You are the best.
dark
Adjective
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If something is dark, is has no light.
The cave is very dark.
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If something is dark, it is scary or not pleasant.
World War II was a dark time in world history.
dark
Noun
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Place where there is no light.
Most humans are afraid of the dark.
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Late in the day, especially after sunset.
Go and play with your friends, but be back before dark!
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Darks are clothes that are not light in color.