Understanding Prey and Pray

An animal that hunts and kills other animals for food.

An animal that is hunted and killed by another animal.

To ask God for something.

The act of praying or the words used in prayer

To take advantage of someone or something.

Difficult, strenuous, and requiring much effort.

Extremely difficult and tiring; taxing.

A prayer, typically a formal or ceremonial one.

Saying a prayer before eating.

Saying a short prayer

To make fun of someone or to make someone look ridiculous.

A 'L' sound pronounced with the tongue touching the back of the teeth. It occurs at the end of a word or before a consonant.

A 'L' sound pronounced with the tongue touching the front of the teeth. It occurs between vowels.

The primary stress in the word 'ridicule' falls on the first and third syllables.

The primary stress in the word 'ridiculous' falls on the second syllable.

The word "these" refers to multiple items, while "this" refers to a single item.

A humorous phrase used to exaggerate the difficulty of something in the past, implying that it was much harder than it is now.

The difference between the two lies in the tongue position and mouth shape, resulting in distinct sounds for the letter "L."

The pronunciation of the word 'cruel' involves a dark 'L' sound and a slightly open mouth, creating a deeper and more pronounced sound.

The pronunciation of the word 'grueling' involves a light 'L' sound and a less pronounced mouth opening, resulting in a softer sound.

Although the words 'gruel' and 'grueling' have similar spelling patterns, their meanings are distinct: 'gruel' is a dish, while 'grueling' describes a challenging experience.

When the letter 'L' appears at the end of a word after a vowel, it is typically pronounced with a dark 'L.'

When a single or double 'L' appears between two vowels, it is typically pronounced with a light 'L.'

A hybrid animal born from a horse and a donkey, inheriting characteristics from both. They are known for their strength and hard work but are often described as being slow and somewhat stubborn.

No, mules are infertile and cannot produce offspring with each other. Only a horse and a donkey can create a mule.

Mules are particularly popular in the Southern states of the United States due to their hard-working nature and adaptability to the region's climate and terrain.

The "u" in "mule" makes the "YY" sound like the "y" in "my", and the "l" at the end is a "dark L" (similar to the "l" in "call").

A ruler is a measuring device typically made of a straight piece of material with markings for measuring length, often in inches and centimeters.

A yard stick is a type of ruler that measures three feet (or 36 inches) in length.

A measuring tape is a flexible ruler, often made of cloth, that can be extended to measure longer distances.

A ruler can also refer to a person in a position of authority like a king, queen, emperor, or other leader.

The word "schedule" can have two main pronunciations: 1. 'schedule' with stress on the first syllable or 2. 'schedule' with stress on both syllables.

The "du" combination in words like "schedule" usually makes the "J" sound, similar to the "j" in "juice" or "jump".

A "module" can refer to a self-contained unit or section of a larger system, like a lesson in a training program or a component of a spacecraft.

A lunar module is a spacecraft designed specifically for landing on the Moon.

A capsule is a small, usually cylindrical container used for holding medicine or other substances.

The "l" in "scheduling" is a light L because it's between vowels, and you can choose to emphasize the first syllable ('scheduling') or the second syllable ('scheduling').

Remember, a dark L is a quiet, soft sound at the end of a word after a vowel, while a light L is a clearer, stronger sound between vowels.

A very difficult and tiring day, often involving a lot of work or effort.

While "arduous" and "grueling" can be substitutes for "hard," "hard" is more natural and common in everyday speech.

Both words express a challenge, but "hard" implies physical exertion, while "difficult" suggests mental or emotional strain.

When referring to a duration, "a long time" needs an article ("a") because "time" is countable.

The preposition "to" is essential after "explain" when the explanation is directed at someone.

The object of a verb usually comes directly after the verb, especially when using prepositions like "to".

Use "explain" for general explanations and "explain to" when referring to a specific recipient.

In American English, "process" is pronounced with a short, 'ah' sound, like "hot" or "stop"

When referring to multiple items, use "these." For a single item, use "this."

When discussing multiple interpretations, use "meanings" (plural). For a single understanding, use "meaning."

Use "moods" (plural) for various emotional states. For a single feeling, use "mood."

When referring to a subtle change, use "a slightly" before countable nouns like "meaning" or "mood."

A process that requires a lot of effort and skill, often taking a long time to complete.

When referring to multiple phrases, use "these phrases." For a single phrase, use "this phrase."

The 'L' sound where the tongue touches the back of your teeth. This occurs at the end of a word or before a consonant.

The 'L' sound where the tongue touches the front of your teeth. It occurs when 'L' is between two vowels.

The 'L' in 'duel' is a dark 'L' because it's at the end of the word after a vowel.

The 'L' becomes a light 'L' in 'dueling' because it's between vowels.

Words ending in 'uel' like 'cruel,' 'grul,' and 'duel' have the same pronunciation: 'oo' sound plus a dark 'L'.

'Fuel' has the same spelling pattern as 'cruel,' 'grul,' and 'duel' but is pronounced differently - it has a 'Y' sound. It's 'f-YU-el' not 'f-OO-el'.

'Jewel' also has the same 'oo' sound plus a dark 'L' like 'pool' and 'cool'.

The 'L' in 'jewelry' remains a dark 'L' despite the vowel change. It's the same dark 'L' as in 'Jewel' because it's not between vowels.

Words like 'cool,' 'pool,' 'tulle,' and 'fool' all have the same spelling and pronunciation: 'oo' sound + a dark 'L'.

'Cooling' changes the pronunciation of 'cool' by changing the 'L' to a light 'L' because it's between vowels.

Words ending in 'rle' are pronounced with a dark 'L' like 'rule.' 'Mule' is pronounced differently.

'Mule' doesn't follow the 'oo' sound + dark 'L' pattern. It's pronounced 'myool.'

How we pronounce a word is affected by where we emphasize (stress) the syllables. This can change the sound of the word.

The way we speak and the sounds we make in words is influenced by our language and the rules of how letters are pronounced.