a dot

Meanings

1. 1phrasecountable

   A very small round mark, or one single point of the kind used in writing, printing, or on a screen.

   Grammar: The 'a' is just the indefinite article, so you use 'a dot' for one mark and 'dots' for more than one.

   Patterns

   • a dot of something
   • put a dot on something
   • a dot on the map

   There is a dot of ink on your shirt.

   Put a dot next to the correct answer.

   The town is just a dot on the map.

2. 2phrasecountable

   The small round sign used in writing, especially in email addresses and web addresses.

   Grammar: Say the word 'dot' aloud when reading an address; the symbol itself is also called a period in American English.

   Patterns

   • say a dot
   • a dot in an email address
   • something dot something

   My address is anna dot lee at example dot com.

   You need a dot between the two parts of the address.

Word forms

Common combinations

a dot on the map

From here the village is only a dot on the map.

a dot of ink

A dot of ink fell on the page.

put a dot

Put a dot beside each name you recognize.

a dotted line

Sign on the dotted line at the bottom.

Synonyms and how they differ

point

A point is often a tiny mark or position; a dot is specifically round and small.

spot

A spot can be any small round area or stain, usually larger and less exact than a dot.

period

In American English, period is the usual word for the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence.

Word family

dot noun

A small round mark.

dotted adjective

Marked with or made of dots.

dot verb

To mark something with small round spots.

Commonly confused: a dot or period?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a dot”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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