approach

«approach» in Mova's school dictionary: to come nearer to someone or something («The train is… — its meaning for a pupil, its sense in the lessons and examples, with 5 sentences of Mova's corpora that use it.

part of speech

verb (approach, approaches, approached, approaching); noun (an approach, approaches)

meaning for a pupil

1) To approach means to come nearer to someone or something («The train is approaching the platform»). tree →

2) To approach someone means to go to them to speak or ask something («approach a teacher for help»). tree →

3) An approach is a way of dealing with a problem or doing a task («a new approach to fractions»). tree →

4) An approach is also a path or road leading to a place. tree →

sense in the lessons

In maths and science pupils try different approaches (methods) to solve a problem. In road and rail safety announcements warn that a train or car is approaching, so stand back. In stories approaching footsteps, storms or danger build tension. In everyday safety, children learn what to do if a stranger approaches them. Phrases: «approach with care», «the approach of winter», «a different approach», «approaching fast».

examples

• The train now approaching platform 2 does not stop here. tree →
• Approach the horse slowly from the side. tree →
• As we approached the house, the dog barked. tree →
• If a stranger approaches you, walk away and tell an adult. tree →
• Let's try a different approach to this problem. tree →
• The holidays are approaching fast. tree →
• The approach to the castle was steep and narrow. tree →
• You can approach your teacher if you need help. tree →
• "Approach, my son," he said kindly. tree →

note

The verb takes a direct object, with no «to»: «approach the door», not «approach to the door». Plural noun «approaches». Adjective «approachable» (easy to talk to). In maths, «approaching 100» means getting close to 100.

In the corpora

• Some school words are official jargon, like "approaching standard" in the US or "requires improvement" for a UK school.
• Approach a horse from the side, near its shoulder, and talk softly as you come.
• None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness.
• Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy fathers brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.
• And thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is impure by her uncleanness.

Trees and pragmatics

Every meaning and example of «approach» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.