2
He likes reading historic books.
He likes reading history books. We spent the afternoon at the historic museum.
We spent the afternoon at the history museum. a history book/lesson/museum etc = a book/lesson/museum etc that deals with the subject of history: ‘Our history teacher next term is Mr Young.’ historical We shall be taking you to see several interesting historical places.
We shall be taking you to see several interesting historic places. See Note at HISTORIC 1 hit 1
Turning round, I hit a vase which broke into several pieces.
Turning round, I knocked over a vase which broke into several pieces. knock over = hit something by accident so that it falls from a standing position: ‘The cat jumped up onto the table and knocked over a full glass of red wine.’ 2
I was so terrified that I hit and kicked them with all my might.
I was so terrified that I punched and kicked them with all my might. punch and kick (NOT hit and kick ): ‘The boy on the ground was punching and kicking to defend himself.’ hold One of the men walked over to me and held my bag.
One of the men walked over to me and took hold of my bag. As soon as she saw the mouse, she held a knife.
As soon as she saw the mouse, she picked up a knife. hold = have something in your hand/hands/arms etc: ‘I’d been holding the baby for nearly an hour and my right arm was getting tired.’ get/take hold of = put your fingers or hands around something and hold it: ‘Quick! Get hold of the rope! The boat’s drifting away.’
