Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’. If we are not clear about the exact meaning of a word, we should look into a dictionary.
look up
Understanding Phrasal Verbs for Dictionary Use
The question asks us to choose the most appropriate substitution for the underlined segment "look into" in the sentence: "If we are not clear about the exact meaning of a word, we should look into a dictionary." We need to find the correct phrasal verb that describes the action of finding information, specifically the meaning of a word, in a dictionary.
Analyzing the Original Phrase: "Look into"
The phrasal verb "look into" typically means to investigate or examine something closely. For example:
- The police are looking into the matter.
- We need to look into the cause of the problem.
Using "look into" a dictionary means to investigate or examine the dictionary itself, not necessarily to find a specific piece of information within it. This is not the standard way to describe the action of searching for a word's meaning.
Evaluating the Substitution Options
Let's examine the given options and their meanings:
| Option | Meaning | Applicability to using a dictionary |
|---|---|---|
| look on | To watch something happen without getting involved. | Not relevant. Doesn't describe finding information. |
| look up | To search for information in a book, list, or other reference source. | Highly relevant. This is the standard phrase for finding information in a dictionary or similar source. |
| look to | To rely on someone or something for help or support; to hope to achieve something. | Not relevant. Describes relying on a source, not searching for information. |
| look of | Not a standard phrasal verb; "look of" typically refers to appearance (e.g., the look of surprise). | Incorrect grammar and meaning in this context. |
Identifying the Correct Substitution
Based on the analysis, the phrasal verb that means to find information, such as the meaning of a word, in a reference book like a dictionary is "look up". Therefore, "look up" is the most appropriate substitution for "look into" in the given sentence.
The corrected sentence would be: "If we are not clear about the exact meaning of a word, we should look up a dictionary."
Conclusion on the Correct Answer
The phrasal verb "look up" is the correct and natural way to express the action of finding information in a dictionary. The original phrase "look into" is inappropriate in this context as it means to investigate, not to search for a specific item of information like a word's meaning.
Revision Table: Key Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Common Meaning(s) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| look into | Investigate, examine closely | The police are looking into the case. |
| look up | Find information in a book or list; improve (situation) | I need to look up this word in the dictionary. His health is looking up. |
| look on | Watch something happen without participating | People just looked on as the accident happened. |
| look to | Rely on someone; hope to achieve something | We look to you for support. We look to improve our performance next quarter. |
Additional Information on Phrasal Verbs and Dictionaries
Phrasal verbs are common in English and often have meanings that are not immediately obvious from the individual words. Learning phrasal verbs in context is very helpful. Using a dictionary is a fundamental skill for vocabulary building and understanding written text. When you encounter a new word, using a dictionary (physical or online) allows you to find its meaning, pronunciation, part of speech, and usage examples. The correct phrasal verb to describe this action is always "look up".
- Dictionaries are valuable resources for language learners.
- Knowing common phrasal verbs improves fluency and comprehension.
- Always use "look up a word" or "look up information" when referring to searching in a dictionary or reference source.
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