Book

NTC's Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs and Other Idiomatic Verbal Phrases

📖 Overview

NTC's Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs presents over 7,500 common American English phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions in an accessible reference format. The entries include definitions, examples of usage, and grammatical information for each phrase. The dictionary organizes entries alphabetically and provides multiple meanings where applicable, helping readers understand how the same phrasal verb can carry different connotations. Cross-references throughout the text connect related expressions and guide users to alternative forms. Each entry contains guidance on formality levels and indicates whether phrases are standard English or slang. The work serves as both a learning tool for English language students and a reference for native speakers seeking clarity on usage. The dictionary highlights the complex relationship between literal and figurative meaning in English verbal expressions, demonstrating how context shapes understanding. This reference work reveals patterns in how English speakers combine verbs with prepositions and particles to create new meanings.

👀 Reviews

Readers value this dictionary as a reference for ESL/EFL students and teachers, with several mentioning its clarity in explaining phrasal verb meanings and usage. Likes: - Includes multiple meanings for each phrasal verb - Clear example sentences - Cross-references related expressions - Alphabetical organization makes entries easy to find - Distinguishes between separable and inseparable phrasal verbs Dislikes: - Physical quality of binding - some report pages falling out - Print size considered too small by older readers - Some common phrasal verbs missing - Examples sometimes feel outdated Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (32 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (17 ratings) One ESL teacher noted: "The example sentences make it much easier for students to understand context compared to other phrasal verb dictionaries." A student reviewer mentioned: "Helped me understand nuanced differences between similar phrasal verbs like 'look up to' versus 'look up'."

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🤔 Interesting facts

📚 The dictionary contains over 4,000 phrasal verbs and idioms, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of its kind. 🎓 Author Richard Spears holds a Ph.D. in linguistics from Indiana University and has authored more than 150 dictionaries and reference books. 💡 The book includes both American and British English expressions, with clear notations to indicate which variety of English each phrase comes from. 📖 Each entry provides multiple example sentences showing the phrasal verb in context, along with notes on formality level and usage restrictions. 🗣️ Many of the expressions included were collected from actual conversations and media sources rather than just traditional dictionary entries, making the content more relevant to real-world language use.