[Grammar] I checked the dictionary?

[erintabrett]

Hi!

I feel a bit silly asking this because I'm a native English speaker, but I was just writing something and initially wrote "I checked the dictionary" and then wondered if I shouldn't instead write that I checked *a* dictionary. I'm talking about a specific dictionary, but if that's not known to my audience, should it be "a"?

Thank you in advance! It's so great to be able to ask for help here

 

[AirbusA321]

Google hits:
I checked a dictionary 18,300
I checked the dictionary 57,900

 

[GoesStation]

Google hits:
I checked a dictionary 18,300
I checked the dictionary 57,900

This information might be useful in some situations but it doesn't provide any guidance as to which article the OP should use.

 

[Tdol]

How about I checked my dictionary?

 

[jutfrank]

I would urge you to avoid using the phrase the dictionary in this sense. It suggests that there is just one authoritative source. This idea is outdated and inappropriate in this day and age.

I checked a dictionary.

 

[GoesStation]

How about I checked my dictionary?

That's fine.