Sentenceworks Blog

I’ve gone on about this before, but I was writing something a couple of weeks ago and realised exactly how fiercely I cling to this book while writing.  I did a few little experiments with my students, and have come to an absolute: one simply cannot write without a copy of Roget’s Thesaurus by one’s side.

Roget’s Thesaurus is not difficult to use.  Look  up the desired word at the back of the book (the back is arranged in alphabetical order, like a dictionary), and choose the appropriate meaning of the word.  You will be directed to the front of the book - by numbers - to a list of synonyms.

Roget’s is the best thesaurus, perhaps because it is the oldest.  Perhaps it is also better because it categorises the words by meaning, not just by synonyms.  For instance, Roget’s classification for the word letter comes under Correspondence (#592).  In The Mirriam-Webster Thesaurus, the synonyms for letter do not include the word correspondence, and vice versa.  As well, Mirriam-Webster’s definition of correspondence only refers to similarity, not written communication.  I have found all other thesauri to have similar problems.  They are not thorough, and they are not well-organised.

Now, Roget’s Thesaurus should - as should any thesaurus - come with a bright red warning on the cover: USE YOUR BRAIN.  One word cannot be haphazardly replaced by another.  Each word in the English language has a different meaning, even though some meanings may be similar.  For instance, if I said my student was upset by his low grade, you might feel sympathetic and give him a comforting pat on the back.  If I said my student was devastated by his low grade, you might feel the need to call in some professional support.  If you’re in doubt, double check the meaning of the word in a good dictionary.

What Roget’s can help you do is find the appropriate word to precisely express your meaning.   It will also, through consistent use, increase your vocabulary.  If you have a copy, I recommend taking it from your shelf and dusting it off.  If you don’t have a copy, hie yourself over to the nearest second-hand store and buy one.  Keep it close to you, and consult it whenever possible.