Using a Learner’s Dictionary

This week’s blog talks about how to make the most from using a learner dictionary.

What do you usually do when you come across a word that you don’t understand in English? For most people, the answer to that question is ‘open Google translate’ or some other kind of translation software. Translation can certainly be useful at times, especially for lower level learners, but can also lead to mistakes and confusion in understanding. Although it can help with communication, it doesn’t really help with the language learning process overall. Did you know there’s a much better and very simple tool that language learners can use instead of, or together with translation? Learner Dictionaries such as the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary are a fantastic way to check the meaning of new vocabulary and can also help you to improve your knowledge and use of vocabulary and grammar. Learner dictionaries are created especially for people learning English so the definitions are simple and easy-to-understand. You can also find a lot of extra information about the word or phrase, for example:

• pronunciation
• verb forms
• examples sentences
• collocations (words that go together naturally, for example ‘strong coffee’)
• word lists for more vocabulary on the same topic

This means students will be able to understand the meaning of the word, and will also be able to use it correctly in their own writing and speaking! Win win!

Watch our video here if you’d like to find out more!