Teaches

/ˈtiːtʃɪz/

verbA2third person singular present tense

Definition

"Teaches" is the action when a person helps others learn new information or skills. This usually happens in a school, class, or any situation where one person shares what they know with others.

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See It in Action

To give knowledge or skills to someone

  • She teaches math at the local school.
  • My father teaches me how to ride a bike.
  • The coach teaches the team new strategies.

To cause someone to know or understand something

  • This book teaches children about animals.
  • The movie teaches us the importance of friendship.

Make It Stick

  • Think of "teaches" like "shows" but with the purpose to help someone learn something new.
  • Picture a teacher standing in front of a classroom, explaining a lesson and helping students understand.
  • It's the feeling when someone kindly helps you understand something you didn't know before.
  • Sounds like "TEACH-iz" → imagine a teacher pointing at a blackboard and saying "This is how you do it!"
  • Think of famous teachers like a school teacher or a coach who teaches how to play a sport.
  • NOT like "tells" (just giving information), "teaches" helps you learn and understand, not just hear.
  • NOT like "learns" (receiving knowledge), "teaches" is giving knowledge to others.

Try Other Words

  • Instructs: gives detailed information or orders (Use when the teaching is more formal or official)
  • Explains: makes something clear or easy to understand (Use when focusing on making ideas clear)
  • Educates: gives education or knowledge (Use in more general or formal contexts)
  • Trains: teaches skills, often for a job or sport (Use when teaching practical skills)

Unboxing

  • Word parts: root "teach" + suffix "-es" (shows third person singular present tense)
  • Etymology: From Old English "tǣcan," meaning "to show, point out, or give instruction"
  • Historical development: The meaning has stayed close to "giving knowledge or instruction" since Old English times
  • Modern usage: Commonly used to describe what teachers do, but also used when anyone helps others learn something new

Reflect & Connect

How do different teaching styles affect how well someone learns?
Can someone teach without using words? How?

Fill in the blanks

1.A good teacher teaches ___ clearly so students can understand.
2.She teaches her students ___ by giving examples and practice.
3.When someone teaches, they often ___ questions to check understanding.
4.Unlike just telling, teaching helps someone ___ new skills or knowledge.
5.Coaches teach players ___ to improve their game.
6.The book teaches children ___ about animals and nature.
7.If a person teaches well, their students usually ___ better results.