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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 • 645 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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