The Search That Reveals Confusion
Jan 16, 2026
The Search That Reveals Confusion
"Sentence using dictation" is what people search when they want example sentences demonstrating the word "dictation" used properly in context. Usually for vocabulary learning, ESL students, or school assignments.
Here are example sentences using "dictation" correctly:
The doctor completed patient dictation between appointments.
Students took dictation during the French class to practice spelling.
Voice dictation software has improved dramatically since 2020.
Legal secretaries historically spent hours transcribing attorney dictation.
The executive used dictation while commuting to draft emails.
The word "dictation" functions as a noun meaning either the act of speaking for transcription or the act of transcribing spoken words. Context determines which meaning applies.
How "Dictation" Works in Sentences
"Dictation" as the act of speaking for transcription:
She used dictation to write the report while walking.
Medical dictation helps physicians document patient encounters efficiently.
His dictation habits improved after he bought a better microphone.
"Dictation" as transcription exercise or lesson:
The teacher gave a dictation test every Friday.
French dictation exercises help students learn spelling.
Taking dictation was a standard secretarial skill in the 1960s.
Both meanings share the core concept of speaking words to be written down, but the emphasis shifts between the speaking act and the writing act.
Common Phrases With "Dictation"
Voice dictation. Speaking to software that converts speech to text.
Medical dictation. Physicians speaking patient notes for transcription.
Legal dictation. Attorneys recording case notes, briefs, correspondence.
Dictation software. Programs that convert speech to text.
Take dictation. Writing down words someone speaks (historical secretarial work).
Dictation test. Educational exercise where students write what teacher reads aloud.
Dictation mode. Software feature enabling speech-to-text input.
Why People Search This
ESL students. Learning English and need example sentences showing proper word usage.
School assignments. Asked to use "dictation" in a sentence for vocabulary homework.
Writing projects. Looking for context to understand how the word functions naturally.
Professional communication. Drafting business writing and ensuring proper usage.
For ESL students: "dictation" is a formal noun. Use it in professional or educational contexts, not casual conversation. Native speakers might say "I used voice typing" rather than "I used dictation" casually.
The Modern Context of Dictation
Dictation historically meant speaking aloud while a secretary typed. Executives dictated letters, physicians dictated patient notes, lawyers dictated briefs. All required secretarial staff transcribing the dictation.
Technology changed this. Voice recognition software eliminated the human transcriptionist. Now dictation means speaking to software that automatically converts speech to text.
Modern dictation sentences reflect this shift:
Historical context: "The CEO's secretary took dictation for three hours."
Modern context: "The CEO used dictation software to draft emails while commuting."
Same word, evolved meaning. The core concept (speaking for transcription) persists, but who or what does the transcribing changed.
My Dictation Usage
I use Dictation Daddy for everything - emails, documents, articles, notes, all writing tasks. I have obvious bias (I built it), but dictation has become my primary writing method.
Example sentences from my actual usage:
I completed this article using dictation in about 20 minutes.
Dictation accuracy improved dramatically when I bought a better microphone.
Professional writing via dictation requires good speech recognition accuracy.
My dictation workflow eliminates the typing bottleneck in writing.
96-98 percent accuracy means dictation produces usable drafts without extensive editing. Automatic formatting handles punctuation naturally without voice commands.
You can still use formatting commands like "new line" or "comma" when needed, but the AI handles most formatting automatically. False starts and self-corrections are handled naturally.
Available on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Chrome extension. The apps don't sync between devices, but you have consistent dictation everywhere. Under 100 dollars per year. For enterprises needing SOC2 or HIPAA compliance, there's a dedicated plan.
Technical Usage Notes
"Dictation" as uncountable noun (no article needed):
- Dictation helps me write faster. (Correct)
- The dictation helps me write faster. (Awkward, technically wrong)
"Dictation" as countable when referring to specific instances:
- I completed three dictations today. (Correct, meaning three dictation sessions)
- Each dictation took about 20 minutes. (Correct)
"Dictate" is the verb form:
- I dictate all my emails. (Correct)
- I do dictation for all my emails. (Awkward, though technically acceptable)
Common mistakes from non-native speakers:
- "I am doing dictation" (sounds like an exercise, not writing via speech)
- "I make dictation" (wrong verb, should be "I use dictation" or "I dictate")
Why Dictation Matters Now
Dictation transformed from niche professional tool to mainstream writing method. Smartphones have dictation built in. Computers include voice recognition. AI made accuracy good enough for regular use.
Example sentences showing this shift:
Students use dictation to complete assignments while walking between classes.
Remote workers dictate meeting notes while reviewing video recordings.
Writers draft novels via dictation to reduce repetitive strain injuries.
Physicians complete patient documentation using clinical dictation software.
These sentences would have seemed futuristic in 2000. In 2026, they describe normal workflows for millions of people.
The Uncomfortable Reality
People searching "sentence using dictation" want vocabulary examples. What they're really asking about is technology that's already built into their phones and computers.
Dictation stopped being specialized professional equipment. It's now a standard feature most people have access to but many never try seriously.
The word "dictation" carries historical connotations of executives and secretaries. Modern reality is anyone with a smartphone has dictation available. The technology democratized while the vocabulary stayed formal.
If you're searching for example sentences to understand the word, the best approach is trying dictation yourself. Press the microphone button on your phone's keyboard and speak. That's dictation. The word makes more sense after you've experienced what it describes.
Last updated: January 16, 2026, verified with current dictation technology usage




