check your dictionary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check your dictionary" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as a command or suggestion to someone to consult a dictionary for a definition or clarification of a word or phrase. Example: "I'm not sure what that word means, can you check your dictionary?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

T: check your dictionary.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

When you're trying to make sure subsequent references to Jonathan Johns are always "Johns" and never "John," you can forget to check your dictionary's preferred spelling of "accouterment". When you're doing a close reading, major logical problems can slip by.

Los Angeles Times

You can ask them to teach you words and check your dictionary against them.

WikiHow

Well, even though adjective forms aren't necessarily listed in dictionaries, and even though some adjective forms may be custom-made by a user who took a suffix like "al" and tacked it on to a common word like "education" (or "relation" or "notion"), it can't hurt to first check your dictionary.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Check your guess with a dictionary.

WikiHow

If you use a thesaurus, however, check your chosen word in the dictionary to ensure that you know its precise meaning.

WikiHow

Last time I checked the liberal thought police dictionary handed to me at the beginning of orientation week, the phrase "check your privilege" was defined as a reminder to be aware of others' perspectives and experiences.

Huffington Post

If you're an inexperienced writer, or you're just unsure if your spelling is correct, try going to your local library to check out a dictionary, many people have dictionaries at home too.

WikiHow

The adjective is closed, "everyday values". The noun phrase is open, "We offer values every day". Keep your eye out for these troublemaking terms and, when in doubt, check a dictionary.

Los Angeles Times

If you're curious, check out Urban Dictionary for your daily dose of newspeak.

Forbes

Example 1 S1: let's check dictionary S2: Trying to find a dictionary from her bag and looking to the teacher to see if they can use dictionaries.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When unsure about a word's spelling or meaning, "check your dictionary" to ensure accuracy and clarity in your writing.

Common error

While spell check can catch typos, it doesn't verify meaning or usage. Always "check your dictionary" to confirm the word's definition and ensure it fits the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check your dictionary" functions as an imperative, giving a direct command or suggestion. It's used to instruct someone to verify information or understand a word's meaning by consulting a dictionary, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "check your dictionary" serves as a straightforward and practical instruction to verify the meaning, spelling, or usage of a word. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While appearing in diverse contexts like news, wikis, and academic materials, its primary function is to ensure accuracy and clarity in communication. By consulting a dictionary, writers and speakers can avoid misunderstandings and enhance the precision of their language. Remember, while spell check is helpful, it doesn't replace the comprehensive information found in a dictionary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consult your dictionary

Replaces "check" with "consult", offering a more formal tone while retaining the core meaning.

refer to your dictionary

Similar to "consult", "refer to" suggests using the dictionary as a reference point.

look it up in a dictionary

Specifies the action of finding information within a dictionary.

verify with a dictionary

Focuses on the act of confirming information using a dictionary.

cross-reference with a dictionary

Suggests comparing information with what's in the dictionary for accuracy.

find the definition in a dictionary

Highlights the purpose of using the dictionary: to find a definition.

ascertain the meaning using a dictionary

Uses more formal language to convey finding the meaning of a word.

determine the correct usage with a dictionary

Emphasizes using the dictionary to understand proper word usage.

validate the term in a dictionary

Focuses on confirming the existence and validity of a specific term.

confirm the definition by consulting a dictionary

This alternative uses a more verbose structure to convey the same action of checking for a definition.

FAQs

How can I use "check your dictionary" in a sentence?

You can use "check your dictionary" as a direct instruction, for example, "If you're unsure about the word's meaning, check your dictionary".

What's a more formal way to say "check your dictionary"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "consult your dictionary" or "refer to your dictionary".

When should I "check my dictionary" instead of using an online search?

Checking a physical dictionary can be beneficial when you want to avoid distractions and focus solely on the word's definition and etymology, without the potential for getting sidetracked by other online content.

What's the difference between "check your dictionary" and "check your thesaurus"?

"Check your dictionary" is for understanding a word's meaning and spelling, while "check your thesaurus" is for finding synonyms or alternative words with similar meanings. If you are using a thesaurus, however, "check your chosen word in the dictionary" to ensure that you know its precise meaning.