consult
B2Formal to neutral; common in professional, academic, and bureaucratic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To seek information, advice, or opinion from a person with relevant expertise or authority.
To refer to a source (book, map, etc.) for information; to have regard for something (e.g., feelings, convenience) when making a decision; to discuss something with someone before taking action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb can be transitive ('consult a lawyer') or intransitive ('I need to consult with my team'). The object can be a person or a source of information. It implies a lack of definitive knowledge or authority on the part of the consulter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both accept 'consult [person]' and 'consult with [person]'. In British English, 'consult with' is slightly less common and often implies more formal deliberation. In American English, 'consult with' is very common and can be used more broadly.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in British usage. 'Consult with' in American English can sound slightly more collaborative.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] consult [Object: Person/Source][Subject] consult with [Object: Person/Group] on/about [Topic]Be consulted on/about [Topic]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A doctor to consult (a sought-after specialist)”
- “To consult one's pillow (to sleep on a decision, archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
‘Before finalising the merger, we must consult the board and our legal advisors.’
Academic
‘The researcher will consult primary sources in the national archives.’
Everyday
‘I need to consult my calendar before I can confirm the date.’
Technical
‘The system will consult the external database to verify the user's credentials.’
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You should consult your GP about that rash.
- The committee will consult widely before issuing its report.
- He consulted the Ordnance Survey map to plot the route.
American English
- You should consult your doctor about that rash.
- Management will consult with the union on the new policy.
- I consulted the owner's manual to fix the appliance.
adverb
British English
- He acted consultatively, seeking input from all departments.
American English
- She works consultatively with her clients.
adjective
British English
- He was in a consultative role.
- The consultative process was lengthy.
American English
- She served in a consulting role.
- The consulting process was extensive.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Consult the teacher if you don't understand.
- I consulted a map to find the station.
- You should consult a doctor if the pain continues.
- Before you decide, consult with your family.
- The government is obliged to consult the public on major planning applications.
- The architect consulted several historical texts for inspiration.
- The judge failed to consult precedent, rendering the ruling vulnerable to appeal.
- As a consultant, her role is to be consulted, not to implement policy directly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONSULT a SULTAN (a ruler you seek advice from). Or: When in doubt, CON-SULT (sounds like 'seek result').
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/ADVICE IS A RESOURCE LOCATED IN ANOTHER PERSON/SOURCE (you go to them to get it).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'consult' for simple checking of facts (use 'check'). Do not confuse with 'discuss' (обсуждать) – consulting is seeking advice, not just talking. The Russian 'консультировать' is usually transitive, while English can be 'consult with'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I consulted to the manager.' Correct: 'I consulted the manager' or 'I consulted with the manager.'
- Incorrect: 'We need consult a lawyer.' Correct: 'We need to consult a lawyer.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'consult' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially in American English. It is used when the interaction is more of a discussion between parties (e.g., 'consult with my colleagues'). 'Consult' + direct object is also correct and common (e.g., 'consult a dictionary').
The main nouns are 'consultation' (the process or meeting) and 'consultant' (the person who gives expert advice). 'Consult' itself is rarely used as a noun outside of specific contexts like 'a doctor's consult' (mainly US).
'Consult' implies seeking advice or information from someone perceived to have greater expertise or a necessary stake. 'Discuss' is a more general term for talking about something with others, without the inherent power/knowledge differential.
Yes, very commonly. You can consult a book, a website, a map, a manual, a list, etc. It means to look at it for information or guidance.