ENGLISH
REFERENCE

consulting

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kənˈsəɫtɪŋ// UK //kənsˈʌltɪŋ// con·sult·ing

v. to ask for information or advice from someone who knows a lot about a subject. You also use this when you check a book, map, or website to find a fact.

v. to seek information or expert advice from a person, book, or document. Transitive when taking a direct object; can also be used intransitively with the preposition 'with' to indicate a collaborative discussion.


SIMPLE

You should consider consulting a doctor about your symptoms.

CONTEXTUAL

The legal team spent the afternoon consulting several old law books to find a precedent for the case.

COMPLEX

Before making any major structural changes to the building, the architects spent weeks consulting with local historians to ensure the new design respected the neighborhood's heritage.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive when seeking information from a source, but often takes 'with' when describing a mutual discussion.

Pitfall

I am consulting to my lawyerI am consulting my lawyerWhen seeking advice from a professional, the verb is transitive and does not require a preposition.

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