Here you will learn 5 English verbs that you can use instead of READ and 6 book English idioms.
Not many people like to read these days. It is a proven fact that our attention span has reduced to only 8 seconds! Despite this, reading is a wonderful pastime. So what other verbs can we use in English when referring to reading?
Harry
5 English Verbs to describe READING
Share and help other students to improve English skills
1️⃣ GLANCE
You may not have a lot of time so you look at or read something quickly.
Example: I glanced at the headlines in the newspaper to see what was happening.
2️⃣ FLICK THROUGH
If you are waiting for someone to arrive or sitting in a waiting room before an appointment you might flick through a book or magazine to pass the time. It is a quick look without really spending too long on any page or article.
Example: Sarah flicked through the magazine out of curiosity and ended up buying it.
Intermediate to Advanced English Marathon
INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
5 English Verbs for READ
3️⃣ LOOK or LOOK THROUGH
You might be asked to read something in detail by your boss and check it for content, errors etc. You will look through it or look over it in some detail.
Example: I looked over your article and it seems to be very informative.
4️⃣ SCAN
Scan has a more modern use now relating to documents that you want to send electronically. You scan them (with a scanner) and send them via email to your contact. However, you can use your eyes to scan a document quickly.
Example: Matt’s new teacher scanned quickly through his previous assignments.
5️⃣ STUDY
All students will be familiar with this word. When we are reading books or documents for the purposes of our school work or university work then we read in a different way so we study that document in detail to extract (take) as much information as possible.
Example: I have studied the documents carefully and would like to ask you to do the same.
5 English Verbs to describe READING
Share and help other students to improve English skills
6 English Idioms related to Books and Reading
1️⃣ A CLOSED BOOK
Meaning: something that you know very little about or something that you find very difficult to understand.
Example: My son is always struggling with maths in school, it is a real closed book to him.
2️⃣ A TURN-UP FOR THE BOOK(S)
Meaning: this expression is used to describe an unexpected development of events, a surprising and unusual occurrence. When we use it in a conversation, it usually has sarcastic meaning.
Example: Peter had given up hope of being promoted. Out of the blue, last week his boss made an announcement about him being promoted. That’s a real turn-up for the books.
3️⃣ BE IN SOMEONE’S BAD BOOKS
Meaning: to be out of favour with someone.
Example: Sarah is not talking to me. I’m in her bad books for not inviting her to the movies on Saturday.
6 English Idioms about Books
Share and help other students to improve English skills:
4️⃣ IN SOMEONE’S BOOK
Meaning: according to someone’s opinion, from someone’s perspective.
Example: I don’t know about this situation in detail, but in my book, it’s you who have to apologise.
5️⃣ BRING SOMEONE TO BOOK
Meaning: to punish someone who did something wrong or to make someone explain their actions publicly, someone should be brought to justice.
Example: Hooligans responsible for storming of city hall should be brought to book.
6️⃣ COOK THE BOOKS
Meaning: to falsify financial statements or records to someone’s advantage, usually in order to get money unnoticed
Example: Auditors discovered that company accountant had been cooking books for years.
More Information
For more information in English Expressions, English Phrasal Verbs and English Grammar Rules, check ou the following links:
English Idioms related to Communication
How to ask for directions in English?
Intermediate English learners! Here is your chance to master English Grammar Tenses so you can speak English fluently and with confidence, sign up for 3 hour English Grammar Rules Refresher Course. Click on the link and enrol today. Bring your English to a higher level!
You will love these English lessons
Vocabulary To Improve Your Speaking
Essential vocabulary to improve your speaking skills. Native speakers use these vocabulary words and phrases all the time in their
How to Start a Business Meeting in English
Learn how to start a business meeting in English. One of the most common requirements of business English is holding
Phrasal Verbs Related To Driving
Here you will learn 14 phrasal verbs related to driving. Always remember that some of the phrasal verbs have more than