tutorial
B1-B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A lesson in which a teacher gives intensive, detailed instruction to an individual student or a small group.
A period of intensive teaching, typically involving detailed explanation and practice, especially in higher education; a computer-based instructional program designed to teach a specific skill or subject.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In UK academic contexts, 'tutorial' specifically denotes a regular small-group teaching session with a tutor. In computing, it refers to any step-by-step instructional guide.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'tutorial' is a core academic term for small-group university teaching (complementing a 'lecture'). In the US, it's more generic, meaning any instructive session, though still used in academia. The verb 'to tutorial' is virtually non-existent in standard English.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with Oxbridge-style personal academic supervision. US: More neutral, associated with training or guided help.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK academic discourse; more common in US computing/technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
tutorial on [topic]tutorial about [topic]tutorial for [purpose/audience]tutorial in [subject]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this word]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A training session for new software or procedures: 'All new hires must complete the safety tutorial.'
Academic
A small-group teaching method: 'Her essay was discussed in the weekly philosophy tutorial.'
Everyday
A guide or lesson: 'I watched a YouTube tutorial on how to fix my bike tyre.'
Technical
An interactive program teaching a skill: 'The software includes a built-in tutorial for beginners.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Not standard; rarely used.]
American English
- [Not standard; rarely used.]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable.]
American English
- [Not applicable.]
adjective
British English
- The tutorial system at Oxford is world-renowned.
- She provides excellent tutorial support.
American English
- The software features a helpful tutorial mode.
- He completed the tutorial exercises.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I watched a tutorial to learn how to make pancakes.
- The teacher gave us a short tutorial on using the new app.
- Every Wednesday I have a maths tutorial with my professor.
- You can find a good online tutorial for basic Spanish grammar.
- The university replaced some lectures with interactive small-group tutorials.
- Before starting the experiment, all participants completed a mandatory safety tutorial.
- The efficacy of the Oxbridge tutorial model is often debated in pedagogical circles.
- She authored an in-depth video tutorial series on advanced statistical modelling using R.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A TUTOR gives you a TUTORIAL – both words share the root of a personal teacher.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A PATH (to be guided along); LEARNING IS A CONSTRUCT (built step-by-step).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'tutorstvo' (tutoring) – it's a specific session, not the role.
- Do not confuse with a 'lekcija' (lecture) – a tutorial is interactive and small-scale.
- The computing meaning ('instructional guide') is best translated as 'obuchajuščee rukovodstvo' or 'instrukcija', not 'tutorial' as a borrowed word.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tutorial' as a verb (*'He tutorialled me'* – correct: *'He gave me a tutorial'*).
- Confusing 'tutorial' (teaching session) with 'tutoring' (the act of being a tutor).
- Spelling: 'tuturial', 'tutorial' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'tutorial' most specifically and formally used in British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'tutorial' is almost exclusively a noun or adjective. The verb form is not standard. Use 'to tutor', 'to give a tutorial', or 'to run a tutorial' instead.
A tutorial is typically very small (often 1-5 students) and focused on discussion, feedback, and detailed instruction. A seminar is usually a larger group (10-20+) and may involve student presentations and broader discussion.
No. While its primary formal use is in education, the term is now very common in computing, DIY, hobbies, and any context involving step-by-step instruction (e.g., 'makeup tutorial', 'gardening tutorial').
In American English, it is pronounced /tuː/ (like 'too'). The British pronunciation retains the /tjuː/ (tyoo) sound.
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