The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway- page 20

The fish never changed his course nor his direction all that night as far as the man could tell from watching the stars.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific fish [ðə]
• fish: An aquatic animal [fɪʃ]
• never: At no time in the past or future [ˈnɛvər]
• changed: Past tense of 'change', meaning to become different [ʧeɪnʤd]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the fish [hɪz]
• course: The direction in which something is moving or aimed [kɔrs]
• nor: Used to introduce a second negative statement [nɔr]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the fish [hɪz]
• direction: A course along which someone or something moves [dɪˈrɛkʃɪn]
• all: The whole of [ɔl]
• that: Referring to a specific night [ðət]
• night: The period from sunset to sunrise [naɪt]
• as: To the extent or degree that [ɛz]
• far as: To the extent or degree that [fɑr ɛz]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific man [ðə]
• man: An adult male human being [mæn]
• could: Past tense of 'can', indicating ability or possibility [kʊd]
• tell: Ascertain (something) by observing or hearing it [tɛl]
• from: Indicating a starting point [frəm]
• watching: Looking at something for an extended period of time [ˈwɑʧɪŋ]
• the: Definite article, referring to specific stars [ðə]
• stars: Celestial bodies appearing as fixed luminous points in the night sky [stɑrz]

It was cold after the sun went down and the old man's sweat dried cold on his back and his arms and his old legs.

• It: Pronoun, referring to the situation or the night [ɪt]
• was: Past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• cold: Of or at a low or relatively low temperature [koʊld]
• after: Following in time or order [ˈæftər]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific sun [ðə]
• sun: The star that provides light and warmth to Earth [sən]
• went down: Set below the horizon [wɛnt daʊn]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific old man [ðə]
• old: Having lived for a long time [oʊld]
• man's: Possessive form of 'man' [mænz]
• sweat: Moisture exuded through the pores of the skin [swɛt]
• dried: Past tense of 'dry', meaning to become dry [draɪd]
• cold: Having a low temperature [koʊld]
• on: Supported by or attached to [ɔn]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the old man [hɪz]
• back: The rear surface of the human body [bæk]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two nouns [ənd]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the old man [hɪz]
• arms: Upper limbs of the human body [ɑrmz]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two nouns [ənd]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the old man [hɪz]
• old: Having lived for a long time [oʊld]
• legs: Limbs used for standing and walking [lɛgz]

During the day he had taken the sack that covered the bait box and spread it in the sun to dry.

• During: Throughout the course or duration of [ˈdʊrɪŋ]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific day [ðə]
• day: The period from sunrise to sunset [deɪ]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• had taken: Past perfect tense of 'take', meaning to get hold of something [hæd ˈteɪkən]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific sack [ðə]
• sack: A large bag made of strong material [sæk]
• that: Relative pronoun, referring to the sack [ðət]
• covered: Past tense of 'cover', meaning to place something over or in front of something else [ˈkəvərd]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific bait box [ðə]
• bait box: A container for holding bait [beɪt bɑks]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• spread: Past tense of 'spread', meaning to open out something [sprɛd]
• it: Pronoun, referring to the sack [ɪt]
• in: Expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific sun [ðə]
• sun: The star that provides light and warmth to Earth [sən]
• to: Expressing purpose [tɪ]
• dry: To become free from moisture [draɪ]

After the sun went down he tied it around his neck so that it hung down over his back and he cautiously worked it down under the line that was across his shoulders now.

• After: Following in time or order [ˈæftər]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific sun [ðə]
• sun: The star that provides light and warmth to Earth [sən]
• went down: Set below the horizon [wɛnt daʊn]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• tied: Past tense of 'tie', meaning to attach or fasten with string or rope [taɪd]
• it: Pronoun, referring to the sack [ɪt]
• around: Surrounding [əraʊnd]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the old man [hɪz]
• neck: The part of the body connecting the head to the torso [nɛk]
• so that: With the result that [soʊ ðət]
• it: Pronoun, referring to the sack [ɪt]
• hung down: Past tense of 'hang down', meaning to droop or suspend [həŋ daʊn]
• over: Extending directly upwards from [ˈoʊvər]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the old man [hɪz]
• back: The rear surface of the human body [bæk]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• cautiously: In a careful and prudent way [ˈkɔʃəsli]
• worked: Past tense of 'work', meaning to manipulate or handle something [wərkt]
• it: Pronoun, referring to the sack [ɪt]
• down: Towards or in a lower place or position [daʊn]
• under: Extending or directly below [ˈəndər]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific line [ðə]
• line: A length of cord or rope [laɪn]
• that: Relative pronoun, referring to the line [ðət]
• was: Past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• across: From one side to the other of (a place, area, etc. [əˈkrɔs]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the old man [hɪz]
• shoulders: The part of the body to which the arms are attached [ˈʃoʊldərz]
• now: At the present time or moment [naʊ]

The sack cushioned the line and he had found a way of leaning forward against the bow so that he was almost comfortable.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific sack [ðə]
• sack: A large bag made of strong material [sæk]
• cushioned: Past tense of 'cushion', meaning to protect from impact [ˈkʊʃənd]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific line [ðə]
• line: A length of cord or rope [laɪn]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• had found: Past perfect tense of 'find', meaning to discover or perceive [hæd faʊnd]
• a: Indefinite article, referring to any way [ə]
• way: A method, style, or manner of doing something [weɪ]
• of: Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• leaning: Being in or moving to a sloping position [ˈlinɪŋ]
• forward: Towards what lies in front; ahead [ˈfɔrwərd]
• against: In opposition to [əˈgɛnst]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific bow [ðə]
• bow: The forward part of a ship or boat [boʊ]
• so that: With the result that [soʊ ðət]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• was: Past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• almost: Nearly; not quite [ˈɔlˌmoʊst]
• comfortable: Free from stress, providing physical ease [ˈkəmfərtəbəl]

The position actually was only somewhat less intolerable; but he thought of it as almost comfortable.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific position [ðə]
• position: A place where someone or something is located or has been put [pəˈzɪʃən]
• actually: In fact; really [ˈæˌkʧuəli]
• was: Past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• only: And no one or nothing more besides [ˈoʊnli]
• somewhat: To some extent; rather [ˈsəmˈwət]
• less: A smaller amount of [lɛs]
• intolerable: Unable to be endured [ˌɪnˈtɑlərəbəl]
• but: Conjunction, introducing a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something already said [bət]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• thought: Past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]
• of: Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• it: Pronoun, referring to the position [ɪt]
• as: Used to indicate the name, identity, or role of someone or something [ɛz]
• almost: Nearly; not quite [ˈɔlˌmoʊst]
• comfortable: Free from stress, providing physical ease [ˈkəmfərtəbəl]

I can do nothing with him and he can do nothing with me, he thought.

• I: first person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• can: indicates ability or possibility [kən]
• do: to perform an action [du]
• nothing: not anything; no single thing [ˈnəθɪŋ]
• with: in relation to; concerning [wɪθ]
• him: third person singular pronoun, referring to a male [ɪm]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• he: third person singular pronoun, referring to a male [hi]
• can: indicates ability or possibility [kən]
• do: to perform an action [du]
• nothing: not anything; no single thing [ˈnəθɪŋ]
• with: in relation to; concerning [wɪθ]
• me: first person singular pronoun, object form [mi]
• he: third person singular pronoun, referring to a male [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think'; to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]

Not as long as he keeps this up.

• Not: used to negate a statement [nɑt]
• as: to the extent or degree that [ɛz]
• long: referring to a period of time [lɔŋ]
• as: used to indicate duration [ɛz]
• he: third person singular pronoun, referring to a male [hi]
• keeps: to continue or persist in doing something [kips]
• this: referring to something previously mentioned or understood [ðɪs]
• up: to continue or maintain something [əp]

Once he stood up and urinated over the side of the skiff and looked at the stars and checked his course.

• Once: at one time in the past [wəns]
• he: third person singular pronoun, referring to a male [hi]
• stood up: rose to a standing position [stʊd əp]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• urinated: to discharge urine [urinated]
• over: above or across [ˈoʊvər]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• side: a surface or edge of something [saɪd]
• of: indicating belonging or association [əv]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• skiff: a light rowing boat [skɪf]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• looked: past tense of 'look'; to direct one's gaze [lʊkt]
• at: expressing direction or location [æt]
• the: definite article, referring to specific item [ðə]
• stars: celestial bodies that emit light [stɑrz]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• checked: past tense of 'check'; to examine or verify [ʧɛkt]
• his: possessive pronoun, belonging to him [hɪz]
• course: the direction or route taken [kɔrs]

The line showed like a phosphorescent streak in the water straight out from his shoulders.

• The: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• line: a length of cord or rope [laɪn]
• showed: past tense of 'show'; to be visible [ʃoʊd]
• like: similar to [laɪk]
• a: indefinite article, referring to a non-specific item [ə]
• phosphorescent: emitting light without heat [phosphorescent]
• streak: a long, thin line or mark [strik]
• in: expressing location or position [ɪn]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• water: a clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid [ˈwɔtər]
• straight: in a direct line [streɪt]
• out: away from the inside or center [aʊt]
• from: indicating a starting point or origin [frəm]
• his: possessive pronoun, belonging to him [hɪz]
• shoulders: the part of the body where the arms are attached [ˈʃoʊldərz]

They were moving more slowly now and the glow of Havana was not so strong, so that he knew the current must be carrying them to the eastward.

• They: third person plural pronoun [ðeɪ]
• were: past tense of 'be'; used to indicate a state or condition [wər]
• moving: to go in a specified direction or manner [ˈmuvɪŋ]
• more: a greater amount or degree [mɔr]
• slowly: at a slow pace [sˈloʊli]
• now: at the present time [naʊ]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• glow: a steady radiance of light [gloʊ]
• of: indicating belonging or association [əv]
• Havana: the capital city of Cuba [həˈvænə]
• was: past tense of 'be'; used to indicate a state or condition [wɑz]
• not: used to negate a statement [nɑt]
• so: to such a great extent [soʊ]
• strong: having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks [strɔŋ]
• so: therefore [soʊ]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• he: third person singular pronoun, referring to a male [hi]
• knew: past tense of 'know'; to be aware of [nu]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• current: a body of water or air moving in a definite direction [ˈkɑrənt]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• be: to exist or occur [bi]
• carrying: to support and move (someone or something) from one place to another [ˈkɛriɪŋ]
• them: third person plural pronoun, object form [ðɛm]
• to: expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• eastward: toward the east [ˈistwərd]

If I lose the glare of Havana we must be going more to the eastward, he thought.

• If: introducing a conditional clause [ɪf]
• I: first person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• lose: to be deprived of or cease to have [luz]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• glare: strong and dazzling light [glɛr]
• of: indicating belonging or association [əv]
• Havana: the capital city of Cuba [həˈvænə]
• we: first person plural pronoun [wi]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• be: to exist or occur [bi]
• going: to move or travel [goʊɪŋ]
• more: a greater amount or degree [mɔr]
• to: expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• eastward: toward the east [ˈistwərd]
• he: third person singular pronoun, referring to a male [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think'; to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]

For if the fish's course held true I must see it for many more hours.

• For: because [fər]
• if: introducing a conditional clause [ɪf]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• fish's: possessive form of 'fish'; belonging to the fish [ˈfɪʃɪz]
• course: the direction or route taken [kɔrs]
• held: past tense of 'hold'; to keep or maintain [hɛld]
• true: in accordance with fact or reality [tru]
• I: first person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• see: to perceive with the eyes [si]
• it: third person singular pronoun, referring to a thing [ɪt]
• for: indicating purpose or reason [fər]
• many: a large number of [ˈmɛni]
• more: a greater amount or degree [mɔr]
• hours: a period of 60 minutes [aʊərz]

I wonder how the baseball came out in the grand leagues today, he thought.

• I: first person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• wonder: to feel curiosity or doubt about something [ˈwəndər]
• how: in what way or manner [haʊ]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• baseball: a game played with a bat and ball [ˈbeɪsˈbɔl]
• came: past tense of 'come'; to move or travel toward [keɪm]
• out: away from the inside or center [aʊt]
• in: expressing location or position [ɪn]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]
• grand: magnificent or imposing [grænd]
• leagues: a group of sports teams that compete against each other [ligz]
• today: the current day; the day on which the statement is made [təˈdeɪ]
• he: third person singular pronoun, referring to a male [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think'; to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]

It would be wonderful to do this with a radio.

• It: third person singular pronoun, referring to a thing [ɪt]
• would: expressing a conditional or possible action [wʊd]
• be: to exist or occur [bi]
• wonderful: inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration [ˈwəndərfəl]
• to: expressing purpose or intention [tɪ]
• do: to perform an action [du]
• this: referring to something previously mentioned or understood [ðɪs]
• with: in the company of; using [wɪθ]
• a: indefinite article, referring to a non-specific item [ə]
• radio: a device that receives or transmits audio signals [ˈreɪdiˌoʊ]

Then he thought, think of it always.

• Then: after that [ðɛn]
• he: third person singular pronoun, referring to a male [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think'; to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]
• think: to have a particular belief or idea [θɪŋk]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• it: third person singular pronoun, referring to a thing [ɪt]
• always: at all times; on all occasions [ˈɔlˌweɪz]

Think of what you are doing.

• Think: to have a particular belief or idea [θɪŋk]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• what: asking for information specifying something [wət]
• you: second person singular pronoun [ju]
• are: present tense of 'be'; used to indicate a state or condition [ər]
• doing: to perform an action [duɪŋ]

You must do nothing stupid.

• You: second person singular pronoun [ju]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• do: to perform an action [du]
• nothing: not anything; no single thing [ˈnəθɪŋ]
• stupid: lacking intelligence or common sense [ˈstupɪd]

Then he said aloud, ''I wish I had the boy.

• Then: at that time; next [ðɛn]
• he: refers to a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [hi]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• aloud: in a voice loud enough to be heard [əˈlaʊd]
• I wish I had the boy: expression of a desire to possess or have the boy [aɪ wɪʃ aɪ hæd ðə bɔɪ]

No one should be alone in their old age, he thought.

• No one: not a single person; nobody [noʊ wən]
• should: used to indicate duty or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions [ʃʊd]
• be: to exist; to occur [bi]
• alone: without anyone else present; solitary [əˈloʊn]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• their: belonging to or associated with the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified [ðɛr]
• old age: the later part of life; advanced years [oʊld eɪʤ]
• he: refers to a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]

But it is unavoidable.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• it: used to refer to something previously mentioned or easily identified [ɪt]
• is: third person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]
• unavoidable: impossible to avoid or prevent [ˌənəˈvɔɪdəbəl]

I must remember to eat the tuna before he spoils in order to keep strong.

• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• remember: to keep in mind; to bear in mind [rɪˈmɛmbər]
• to eat: to consume food [tɪ it]
• the tuna: a type of saltwater fish [ðə ˈtunə]
• before: earlier than [ˌbiˈfɔr]
• he: referring to the tuna [hi]
• spoils: to decay or go bad [spɔɪlz]
• in order to: for the purpose of [ɪn ˈɔrdər tɪ]
• keep: to remain or continue to be [kip]
• strong: having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks [strɔŋ]

Remember, no matter how little you want to, that you must eat him in the morning.

• Remember: used to remind someone of something [rɪˈmɛmbər]
• no matter: regardless of [noʊ ˈmætər]
• how little: to a small extent or degree [haʊ ˈlɪtəl]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• want: to have a desire for [wɔnt]
• to: expressing motion in the direction of (a particular location [tɪ]
• that: used to identify a specific thing or person observed or heard by the speaker [ðət]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• eat: to consume food [it]
• him: referring to the tuna [ɪm]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• the morning: the early part of the day [ðə ˈmɔrnɪŋ]

Remember, he said to himself.

• Remember: used to remind someone of something [rɪˈmɛmbər]
• he: refers to a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [hi]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• to: expressing motion in the direction of (a particular location [tɪ]
• himself: used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject is 'he' [hɪmˈsɛlf]

During the night two porpoises came around the boat and he could hear them rolling and blowing.

• During: throughout the course of [ˈdʊrɪŋ]
• the night: the period from sunset to sunrise [ðə naɪt]
• two: the number 2 [tu]
• porpoises: small toothed whales with a rounded snout [ˈpɔrpəsəz]
• came: past tense of 'come', meaning to move or travel towards or into a place [keɪm]
• around: surrounding; on all sides of [əraʊnd]
• the boat: a small vessel for traveling on water [ðə boʊt]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• he: refers to a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [hi]
• could: past tense of 'can', meaning to be able to [kʊd]
• hear: to perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something [hir]
• them: referring to the porpoises [ðɛm]
• rolling: moving by turning over and over [ˈroʊlɪŋ]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• blowing: expelling air forcefully through the nose or mouth [bloʊɪŋ]

He could tell the difference between the blowing noise the male made and the sighing blow of the female.

• He: refers to a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [hi]
• could: past tense of 'can', meaning to be able to [kʊd]
• tell: to express something in words [tɛl]
• the difference: a point or way in which people or things are dissimilar [ðə ˈdɪfərəns]
• between: at the space separating (two things or people [bɪtˈwin]
• the blowing noise: the sound produced by expelling air forcefully [ðə bloʊɪŋ nɔɪz]
• the male: a male animal [ðə meɪl]
• made: past tense of 'make', meaning to create or construct [meɪd]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the sighing blow: the sound of exhaling audibly in relief or sadness [ðə saɪɪŋ bloʊ]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the female: a female animal [ðə ˈfiˌmeɪl]