Learning Words in Context: How to Use Example Sentences

Why a definition alone isn't enough, how example sentences reveal grammar and word partners, and a method for turning them into lasting vocabulary.

A definition tells you what a word means. An example sentence shows you how it lives. If you want to use a word yourself, not just recognise it, examples matter enormously.

What a definition can't tell you

Which words go with it: make a decision, not do a decision.
Its grammar: transitive or intransitive? Countable or uncountable? Which prepositions follow?
Its tone: formal, casual, positive, critical?
Typical contexts: does it appear in science, law, chat or poetry?
Subtle differences from near-synonyms.

What examples reveal

Consider rely. A definition might say "depend on". The example sentences show more:

You can rely on me.
She relies heavily on public transport.
We rely on you to be on time.

Now you know it takes the preposition on, that heavily is a common partner, and that it works with people and things.

How to read an example

Read the whole sentence, not just the word.
Look at what comes before and after it: prepositions, objects, adverbs.
Ask what kind of situation it describes.
Notice the register: would you say this to a friend or write it in a report?
Compare several examples to spot patterns.

Turn examples into your own

Copying an example isn't learning. Adapt it:

Read the example.
Close the dictionary.
Write a sentence about your own life, using the same pattern.

Example: "The committee decided to postpone the meeting until next week." Your sentence: "I'm going to postpone my dentist appointment until Friday."

Use personal sentences on flashcards

On the front of a card, write the word, or a sentence with a gap: "She _____ on her sister for help." On the back, write the answer and the definition. Cloze (fill-in-the-blank) sentences train recall in context.

Notice collocations and chunks

Underline common word partners in examples: heavy rain, raise a question, pose a threat. Learn them as chunks, so that you produce natural phrases.

Look for multiple examples

One example may be misleading. Compare two or three, and look for patterns. If they all use the same preposition, that's important.

Watch for register clues

Example sentences often reflect the natural setting: a news headline, a lecture, a conversation. They tell you where a word belongs.

Learn words you meet in real text

Words you find in your own reading or listening, in a context you care about, stick better. Look them up, note the original sentence, and add a second example from the dictionary.

Test yourself

After a few days, try writing new sentences using the word without looking at the examples. Then check against the dictionary.

Common mistakes

Learning single words with translations only.
Copying sentences without understanding them.
Ignoring prepositions and grammar patterns.
Never reviewing.

A three-step routine

Meet it: read the example sentences.
Make it: write your own sentence.
Meet it again: review a few days later.

Learn words with example sentences in English Dictionary →