Google Syntax

超神! That exactly what I think after Brian's introduction to Google Syntax.
I realize that I used the searching engine sooooo "inefficiently,"
and always ended up exhausted without finding the data or paper I wanted.
But I am sure after learning these tips will help me a lot next time I want to find something on the Internet.

^^

Corpus in Language Learning

Corpus, for sure, is the other tool that can help us in language learning.
Teacher Sally had made a very concise conclusion about corpus:

The Application of Concordancers (Corpus) in Language Learning

1. To learn how the word is used in context.

2. To clarify the meaning of words.Whether there is any difference between words that are commonly taken as synonymous.

3. To deal with grammar rules and conflicting evidences.

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We can learn the authentic language from the natural context.
It's even more realible than asking a single foreigner, since there are hundreds thousnads of datas in Corpus.


After looking up in dictionaries and using the concordance tools,
my conclusion about big and large are:

1. Big and Large are used when talking about physical, size, extent, capacity or number.

2. Big is more informal.

3. Large is not normally used to describe people.

e.g. They live in a big/ large house in the country.
e.g. Her husband is a very big man.

4. Big and large are not generally used with uncountable nouns – but note the fixed expressions big business, big trouble.

About Dictionary

I never really go further to get into "studying" dictionaries! It's amazing there are kinds of dictionaries for different usage, and some of them are even entertainment (on-line picture dictionary).

For paper dictionary, the five most commenly used are Oxford, Long-man, Cambridge, Macmillan, Collins Cobuild. I have Cambridge at home. Normally I used the electronic dictionary since it is convenient, but I'll look up in Cambridge if I want to know more about the word. It help me to get the right meaning and usage of the word.

On-line dictionary is another easy assess tool. Where ever you can get on the Internet, there is a free on-line dictionary for you to use. Despite its limited words and explanation, it is convenient.

Dictionary is always a good teacher there for us. Learning about different dictionaries is like knowing about different tools. It helps my learning a lot.