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How to choose
a phrasal verbs dictionary
Here are some essential questions that you should ask yourself when
choosing a phrasal verbs dictionary:
How new is the
dictionary?
This is important for new phrasal verbs and up-to-date uses of phrasal
verbs. Check when the dictionary was first published.
Does it
highlight the most frequently-used words?
Frequency information (e.g. if some words are in
red and highlighted with stars) will help you to learn the most useful
words for speaking and writing English. The phrasal verbs that you are
most likely to need will be dealt with in greater detail.
Is it based on
a corpus?
If the dictionary developers have analysed a corpus, it means that
they have built up a detailed picture of how phrasal verbs are used in
English today. It helps them to ensure that the definitions are always
relevant, and that the examples reflect the language as it is spoken and
written today. If the corpus includes material from ELT coursebooks and
readers, it will mean that the dictionary is especially suitable for
learners of English.
Does it have
example sentences?
These show you how and when a word is actually used. If the dictionary
is based on an up-to-date corpus, the writers will have had access to
natural examples of phrasal verbs as they are written and spoken today.
Does it have
usage notes and boxes?
These might be about collocation, to show you what words phrasal verbs
typically occur with, or about verb + particle combinations that are not
necessarily considered as true phrasal verbs. They help you to speak and
write more naturally and to find all the information you are looking for.
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Does it have
extra information about particles?
Special entries on common particles (e.g. away,
back, down, out
etc.) explain how they contribute to the meaning of phrasal verbs.
Does it have a
Study Skills section?
Specially-written articles on topics such as how phrasal verbs combine
with other words in a sentence, metaphor and phrasal verbs, register and
phrasal verbs, common problems experienced by learners using phrasal verbs
and the ways in which new phrasal verbs develop will all help you to
develop your skills in using phrasal verbs.
Does it have a
single-word index?
A single-word index lets you find phrasal verbs by starting with
single-word verbs which you may already know. The equivalent phrasal verb
may be more common and therefore may sound more natural.
Does it look
clear and simple?
Your dictionary should have attractive pages that are easy to read and
understand.
Does it have
illustrations?
These are useful for explaining phrasal verbs simply, reinforcing
their meaning and making them more memorable. They also make the
dictionary fun to use!
Is it easy to
use?
Look out for any special features which help you to find the word or
to understand the meaning. For example, are there menus at the top of the
longer entries to guide you quickly to the meaning you want? Are the
definitions written using simple language and a restricted vocabulary? Is
there guidance on register, regional usage, pronunciation, synonyms and
opposites, inflections and stress patterns? Do the entries explain where
the object can be placed in relation to the phrasal verb or where pronoun
should go?
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