Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

Could I say "look up a map"?

Or should I say "look something up in a map"?

Thanks!

Jason

[IanT]

Normally you would say "on a map" because the idea is that a map is flat and doesn't have an inside, in contrast to a book or other reference item.

And "look up" is most common for dictionaries and encyclopedias, but a quick internet search shows people are using it for maps too.

So, "look something up on a map" would be ok. The other sentence, not really.

Hope helps,
Ian
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