book

Pages joined together inside a cover, with writing, pictures, or space to write.

• The book is on the table.
• She opened her book at page ten.
• I borrowed three books from the library.

Similar words: volume

Common phrases: read a book, open a book, book cover

A long piece of writing, such as a story or textbook, published for people to read.

• She wrote a book about cats.
• His latest book has sold well.
• Have you read any of her books?

How to use it: a book about/on something (He wrote a book about birds.)

Similar words: work

Common phrases: write a book, publish a book, book about something

Written records of the money a business receives and spends, usually used in the plural.

• She keeps the books for our shop.
• The accountant checked the books yesterday.
• Their books showed a large loss.

Similar words: accounts, records

Common phrases: keep the books, balance the books, audit the books

A set of stamps, tickets, or similar small items held together in a paper cover.

• I bought a book of stamps.
• She tore a ticket from the book.
• Do you have a book of matches?

How to use it: a book of + plural noun (He bought a book of raffle tickets.)

Similar words: booklet

Common phrases: book of stamps, book of tickets, book of matches

One of the main parts of a very long written work.

• The poem has twelve books.
• The second book describes the hero’s journey.
• We studied the final book of the epic.

How to use it: a book of + work (Genesis is a book of the Bible.)

Similar words: section, part

Common phrases: book of genesis, first book, second book

Arrange to have a seat, room, service, or person available at a particular time.

• We need to book a room.
• She booked our flights yesterday.
• Have you booked a table for tonight?

How to use it: book something for + time/person (I booked a table for six o’clock.); book someone to do something (They booked a singer to perform at the party.)

Similar words: reserve

Common phrases: book a room, book a flight, book an appointment

Put someone’s name on a list of people taking part in an activity.

• Please book me onto the course.
• She booked three colleagues onto the workshop.
• Have you booked everyone in for training?

How to use it: book someone onto something (I booked her onto the training course.); book someone in for something (They booked me in for the morning session.)

Similar words: register, enrol

Common phrases: book someone in, book onto something, book someone onto something

If police do this, they officially record someone’s details and the crime they are suspected of.

• The police booked the suspect.
• They booked her for theft.
• He was arrested and booked at the station.

How to use it: book someone for something (The police booked him for dangerous driving.)

Common phrases: book a suspect, book someone for theft, police book someone