Dictionary versus thesaurus
Both dictionaries and Thesauruses are very useful for students of the English Language and Literature. Yet, there are quite a few reasons why students should have a thesaurus as well as a dictionary.
For instance, in a dictionary, you will find funny between funnel and fur. In a thesaurus, you will find funny withentertaining, amusing, diverting, comic, humorous, jocular, and hilarious.
Which are the most suitable reference books for students of English?
A Biographical dictionary
(not really necessary unless it’s your hobby to learn about famous people’s lives)
A thesaurus *****
(absolutely necessary)
A Picture Dictionary *
(useful for your students when you start a teaching career, you could use online picture dictionaries to make your own flashcards)
A monolingual dictionary *****
A specialised dictionary *
(it depends on your interests)
A bilingual dictionary **
(knowing the Greek translation of a word does not necessarily mean that you can use the word correctly)
An unabridged dictionary *****
(keep abridged dictionaries for your young students)
A Dictionary of English Idioms ****
(It could help you get to grips with idiomatic language. Make sure the dictionary you buy is updated)