Make Your Point > Archived Issues > WELL-KNIT

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"WELL-KNIT" Meaning: Just like it sounds, something well-knit has a firm, strong structure, or it has parts that are all joined together very closely. Pronunciation: WELL NIT Part of speech: Adjective. Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a well-knit plan.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The plan was well knit.” (Notice how you drop the hyphen and write two separate words after a linking verb.) Other forms: You can also say "well-knitted." How to use it: Talk about a well-knit argument; a well-knit plot or plan; a well-knit society, community, or family and so on. In particular, this word often describes strong, compact bodies, both literally ("a well-knit frame," "a well-knit horse," "a well-knit athlete") and figuratively ("a well-knit spirit," "a well-knit soul.") Each well-knit novel in the City of Ember series is short and suspenseful, with every scene and every word necessary to the plot and theme. Looking at all the flaws in the chalkboard counters that I painted in the kitchen, I have to admit that I didn't have the most well-knit strategy for getting even coverage in each coat. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "well-knit" means when you can explain it without saying "sturdy" or "cohesive." Think of a group of people who have impressed you with their teamwork or collaboration, and fill in the blanks: "The/A well-knit _____ was/were able to _____." Example: "The well-knit writers, artists, and voice actors working on Futurama were able to pull together a hilarious and insightful episode every single time." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: Our October game references some material that may be protected by copyright. I appreciate your understanding as I err on the side of caution by not publishing it here! A Point Well Made: Margaret Mead: “It may be necessary temporarily to accept a lesser evil, but one must never label a necessary evil as good.” 1. The opposite of WELL-KNIT is A. LOOSE-REINED B. LOOSE-LIPPED C. LOOSE-JOINTED 2. The well-knit presentation _____. A. included beautifully illustrated diagrams B. kept us chuckling at its random jokes enough to stave off boredom C. transitioned smoothly from a discussion of the problem to an elegant solution Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. C Exploring the archives: Today's word illustrates a grammar rule that some of my students have found maddeningly arbitrary. That is, you write "well-knit" with a hyphen, as one word, when it comes before a noun, as in "a well-knit family." So far so good. But then, to the great frustration of many students, you have to write "well knit" WITHOUT the hyphen, as two words, when it comes AFTER the noun, as in "a family that has always been well knit." The same rule applies to ill-contrived and, it seems, any other "well-something" or "ill-something" words. But not other hyphenated terms, like hair-trigger, jerry-built, labor-saving, and weather-wise. I promise not to turn you in to the grammar police should you choose to ignore this weird rule.