book
A book is a set of printed or written pages fastened together inside a cover for people to read. It can also refer to a digital version, known as an e-book, or a long piece of writing that has been published.
Examples
3 of 5I usually read a book before I go to sleep.
I usually read a book before I go to sleep.
The professor required each student to purchase the designated book.
The professor required each student to purchase the designated book.
Grab that book off the shelf for me, will you?
Grab that book off the shelf for me, will you?
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize a hook catching a book; 'Hook' and 'Book' rhyme and are spelled similarly.
Quick Quiz
She is reading an interesting ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: book
Examples
I usually read a book before I go to sleep.
everydayI usually read a book before I go to sleep.
The professor required each student to purchase the designated book.
formalThe professor required each student to purchase the designated book.
Grab that book off the shelf for me, will you?
informalGrab that book off the shelf for me, will you?
This academic book provides a detailed analysis of 19th-century history.
academicThis academic book provides a detailed analysis of 19th-century history.
The company published a book outlining its annual financial strategy.
businessThe company published a book outlining its annual financial strategy.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
by the book
following the rules strictly
don't judge a book by its cover
do not judge something by appearance alone
in my book
in my opinion
Often Confused With
A book is usually for reading, while a notebook has empty pages for writing.
A magazine is a thin publication with a paper cover issued regularly, unlike a book.
Usage Notes
The word 'book' is most commonly a noun for a reading object, but it is also frequently used as a verb meaning to reserve a room or a seat.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use the word 'book' when they actually mean 'notebook' for taking notes in class.
Memory Tip
Visualize a hook catching a book; 'Hook' and 'Book' rhyme and are spelled similarly.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'bōc', which is related to the beech tree because early writings were carved on beech wood tablets.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many cultures, giving a book as a gift is seen as a sign of respect and an encouragement of knowledge.
Quick Quiz
She is reading an interesting ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: book
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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