consult a dictionary vs use a dictionary

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Consult a dictionary' implies a more thorough search or study of the dictionary, while 'use a dictionary' simply means to refer to it for a specific purpose.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 661 views

consult a dictionary

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when someone needs to thoroughly search or study a dictionary for information or clarification.

Examples:

When in doubt about a word's meaning, it's best to consult a dictionary.
I consulted a dictionary to find the correct pronunciation of the word.

Show examples from the web [+]

Organizational skill is necessary for a dictionary editor.
Cate's best friend was a dictionary.
I happen to have a dictionary.
Pearl, you speak like a baboon who swallowed a dictionary.
Tristan Tzara jabbed a knife into a dictionary.
I came with a dictionary and we tried to find even fouler expressions.
We're looking up money laundering in a dictionary.
It takes someone serious to make a dictionary.
A dictionary is a boat floating in the great sea.
I'm going to make a dictionary at work.
The greatest joy of being a dictionary editor.
A dictionary consumes money without ever making a profit.
We can't release a dictionary with holes in it.
Here, 'Kore' this means a dictionary.
It's just nice that you understand without having to go find a dictionary.
And then you can have a dictionary.
She'd like a dictionary in Erench and English.
Besides, a man we met... brought me a dictionary.
I read a dictionary. I got into college.
And they spent a lot of time huddled over a dictionary.

Alternatives:

refer to a dictionary
look up a word in the dictionary
check a dictionary
search a dictionary

use a dictionary

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when someone needs to refer to a dictionary for a specific purpose, such as checking the meaning of a word or looking up a definition.

Examples:

If you don't know the meaning of a word, you can use a dictionary to look it up.
It's important to use a dictionary when learning a new language.

Show examples from the web [+]

We use a dictionary to look up the meaning of words.
You have to use words to make a dictionary, right?
Not "a dictionary," or "dictionaries." And that's because, well, people use the dictionary to stand for the whole language.
Well, I guess we use different dictionaries.
Each partner state uses 'dictionary' computers which screen the intercepted messages for keywords.
You may always use my dictionary.
You should learn how to use your dictionary.
We should make good use of dictionaries when studying a foreign language.
He uses the same dictionary as I do.
Dictionaries always use words you don't understand.
This is the dictionary I use every day.
Uses Google Dictionary (translate. google. com) to translate words
Uses LEO Dictionary (dict. leo. org) to translate words
You can choose the dictionary to use for spellchecking from the list of installed dictionaries.
In other words, unlike the word hope, which one could look up in a dictionary and derive origins for, and, perhaps, reach some kind of a consensual use analysis, these are essentially contested concepts.
Organizational skill is necessary for a dictionary editor.
Cate's best friend was a dictionary.
I happen to have a dictionary.
Pearl, you speak like a baboon who swallowed a dictionary.
Tristan Tzara jabbed a knife into a dictionary.

Alternatives:

consult a dictionary
refer to a dictionary
check a dictionary
search a dictionary

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consult a dictionary vs use a dictionary