consult

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   To ask a person who has expert knowledge for advice or an opinion, usually before making a decision.

   Grammar: With an object: consult a lawyer. With with, often when talking over a plan: consult with colleagues.

   Patterns

   • consult someone
   • consult someone about something
   • consult with someone

   You should consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program.

   The mayor consulted with local residents about the new park.

   She consulted her accountant about the tax rules.

2. 2verbtransitiveformal

   To look something up in a book, map, website or other source to find information.

   Grammar: Takes an object that is a source of information: consult a dictionary.

   Patterns

   • consult something

   He consulted the map to find the quickest way home.

   Students may consult their notes during the open-book exam.

   Always consult the manual before changing the settings.

3. 3verbintransitivebusiness

   To work as an adviser, giving paid professional advice to a company or organization.

   Grammar: No object; often followed by for: she consults for several banks.

   Patterns

   • consult for someone

   After retiring, he began to consult for small software firms.

   She consults part-time while finishing her degree.

Word forms

Common combinations

consult a doctor

If the pain continues, consult a doctor.

consult a dictionary

When unsure of the spelling, consult a dictionary.

consult with

The manager must consult with the legal team first.

consult widely

The committee consulted widely before drafting the plan.

consult an expert

They consulted an expert about the old painting.

Synonyms and how they differ

ask

Ask is the simple everyday verb, while consult suggests turning to an expert or authoritative source for advice.

confer

Confer means to talk things over together as equals, whereas consult usually means seeking guidance from someone more knowledgeable.

refer to

Refer to is used for looking at a document or source, whereas consult also works with people.

seek advice from

Seek advice from is a longer, plain way to say the same thing, but it cannot be used for looking up a book.

Opposites

Word family

consultant noun

a person who gives expert professional advice

consultation noun

a meeting or discussion to get advice or opinions

consultancy noun

a firm or business giving expert advice

consultative adjective

intended to give advice or involve discussion

Commonly confused: consult or counsel? consult or insult?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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