Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
When a word has two definitions, always pick the first one listed.
Corrected: When a word has two definitions, read both and pick the one that fits the sentence.
Many words have more than one definition, so you need to read all of them and choose the meaning that matches how the word is used in your sentence.
2. Fix the sentence:
The word "run" can only be used as a verb.
Corrected: The word "run" can be used as a verb or a noun, such as "a run in her stocking."
The word "run" works as both a verb (to run fast) and a noun (a run in her stocking), so saying it can only be a verb ignores its other part of speech.
3. Fix the sentence:
A dictionary only lists base words and never shows different word forms.
Corrected: A dictionary often shows different word forms, such as plurals and verb tenses, near the entry word.
Dictionaries include word forms like plurals (dogs) and verb tenses (running, ran) alongside the base word so readers can see how the word changes.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A word that can be both a noun and a verb has more than one part of speech.
Words like "play" can act as a noun (the play was great) or a verb (let's play outside), which means they belong to more than one part of speech.
2. The dictionary shows that "play" has five definitions, so "play" is a multiple-meaning word.
When a dictionary lists five separate definitions for "play," that tells you it is a multiple-meaning word with several different uses.
3. At the end of a dictionary entry you may see related forms such as "brighter" and "brightest" for the adjective bright .
"Brighter" and "brightest" are comparative and superlative forms of the adjective "bright," so the dictionary groups them together under that base word.
4. An example sentence in a dictionary entry shows how the word is used in context.
Example sentences in a dictionary entry show the word being used in a real situation, which helps you understand the meaning beyond just the definition.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why is it important to read all of a word's definitions before choosing one?
Sample answer: Reading all definitions helps you pick the meaning that matches the sentence, because many words have more than one meaning and the wrong choice can confuse your reader.
A word like "bark" can mean tree covering or a dog's sound, so reading every definition ensures you pick the one that actually fits the sentence you are working with.
2. How can the example sentences in a dictionary entry help you understand a word?
Sample answer: Example sentences show the word used in a real context, so you can see exactly how the word fits into a sentence and understand its meaning more clearly.
Seeing the word in a real sentence helps you understand not just what it means but how to use it correctly in your own writing.