Do you really want to improve your English?

One way is to study vocabulary using an Advanced Learner’s Dictionary.

So, what’s the difference between a standard dictionary and an Advanced Learner’s Dictionary?

Every time you learn a new word, looking it up in an Advanced Learner’s Dictionary will show you how to use the word correctly. When we do this, we’re not just checking the meaning of a word, but also how a word is used in English.

Here’s an example of the difference between a standard dictionary and an Advanced Learner’s Dictionary:

Look up the word find in the “English” dictionary at www.collinsdictionary.com and you’ll find that it shows you 13 uses of the word.

Here’s one or two uses:

find (faɪnd)

verb

Word Forms: finds, finding, found (foʊnd)

(mainly transitive)

1. to meet with or discover by chance

2. to discover or obtain, esp by search or effort ⇒ to find happiness

Now, let’s look at the same two uses of find in the “English for Learners” dictionary at 

http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english-cobuild-learners

This is the online version of the Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. It’s great, and it’s free!

If the link doesn’t work, go to www.collinsdictionary.com and choose “English for Learners”.

find (faɪnd)

Verb

Word forms: finds, finding, found (foʊnd)

1. If you find someone or something, you see them or learn where they are.

[V n] The police also found a pistol.

2. If you find something that you need or want, you succeed in achieving or obtaining it.

[V n] So far they have not found a way to fight the virus.

[V n n ] We have to find him a job.

[V n + for] Does this mean they haven’t found a place for him?

See the difference?

So, what does V n mean? What does V n + for mean? How can I use this to help me improve my English?

It looks complicated, but it’s easy once you know how.

Ask your teacher today!

Happy studying!