look at the dictionary vs look the dictionary

The correct phrase is 'look at the dictionary.' The preposition 'at' is necessary in this context to indicate the action of looking at something. 'Look the dictionary' is not a correct construction in English.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1257 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"look at the dictionary"

This phrase is used when you want to suggest someone to consult a dictionary for information or clarification. The preposition 'at' is essential in this context.

Examples:

When you don't know the meaning of a word, you should look at the dictionary.
I always look at the dictionary when I encounter unfamiliar terms.
Can you please look at the dictionary to find the definition of this word?
It's a good habit to look at the dictionary whenever you come across a new word.
Students are encouraged to look at the dictionary to enhance their vocabulary.

Show examples from the web [+]

Now the word "tolerance," if you look at it in the dictionary, connotes "allowing," "indulging" and "enduring."
So, everyone, look at your rhyming dictionaries, and let's work on banging out some songs that rock.
Actually, in fact, if you look in the dictionary, many dictionaries define pursuit as to "chase with hostility."
And Tom, it looks as though the dictionary officials have arrived!
We use a dictionary to look up the meaning of words.
Makes your dictionary look a bit feeble, Graham?
Let's get a dictionary and look that word up for you.
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.
When you look up blow in the dictionary...
First of all, you must look it up in the dictionary.
You look up "accountant" in the dictionary, there would probably be a picture of henry.
Look that up in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of you and me.
Look it up in the dictionary, under fragile.
And when I did, I thought, well, I'd better look this word up in the dictionary.
Lisa, if you look up "rock bottom" in the dictionary, there's a picture of Evan in a top hat.
Look up "hostile environment" in the dictionary, and I'm pretty sure they're using stock shots from here.
Look up "hostile environment" in the dictionary, and I'm pretty sure they're using stock shots from here.
Look it up in the dictionary.
When you look up "bad" in the dictionary, This is it!
I'm sure people tell you this constantly but if you look under "incredibly beautiful" in the dictionary there's a picture of you.

This phrase is not correct in English.

"look the dictionary"

Show examples from the web [+]

Actually, in fact, if you look in the dictionary, many dictionaries define pursuit as to "chase with hostility."
And Tom, it looks as though the dictionary officials have arrived!
When you look up blow in the dictionary...
First of all, you must look it up in the dictionary.
Look that up in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of you and me.
Look it up in the dictionary, under fragile.
Look it up in the dictionary.
Seriously, you can... you can look it up in the dictionary.
Look that up in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of you and me.
Now the word "tolerance," if you look at it in the dictionary, connotes "allowing," "indulging" and "enduring."
Because... she is pretty and smart, and when you talk about work, she doesn't have to go home and look up words in the dictionary to understand what you said.
We use a dictionary to look up the meaning of words.
So, everyone, look at your rhyming dictionaries, and let's work on banging out some songs that rock.
Makes your dictionary look a bit feeble, Graham?
Let's get a dictionary and look that word up for you.
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.
You look up "accountant" in the dictionary, there would probably be a picture of henry.
And when I did, I thought, well, I'd better look this word up in the dictionary.
Lisa, if you look up "rock bottom" in the dictionary, there's a picture of Evan in a top hat.
Look up "hostile environment" in the dictionary, and I'm pretty sure they're using stock shots from here.

Alternatives:

Look up the dictionary
Refer to the dictionary
Consult the dictionary
Check the dictionary
Search the dictionary

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look at the dictionary vs look the dictionary