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Introduction
Idioms and phrases are popular segments of the English language and form under the poetic form of the English language. It is used instead of literal words as a set of words highlighting the similar meanings of literal words. People make use of idioms to make the language more poetic and expressive. It is used to convey subtle intentions or meanings decorated with similar words in poetic form. It assists the reader in understanding the writing by providing a poetic touch. While the term “phrase” refers to the group of more than one word that generally work together but not as a clause in the sentence.
Idioms and phrases: definition
Idioms can be defined as the collection of phrases and words that possess a well-known meaning or metaphor and are well established in providing meaningful sentences. The words are not always taken with their literal meaning. There is a possibility that idioms may be strange grammatically. Phrases can be defined as combinations of different words without a verb that together function as a single segment in a sentence. These components form a larger part of the sentences. Phrases are to the point and straightforward. Unlike idioms, phrases do not have interpretations; they are understandable with their literal meaning.
Idioms and phrases: purpose
The purpose of idioms is to express complex ideas more simply, it helps in expressing the larger idea into a small and easy to understand form. It also works for the addition of humour to the language, it is further used in transforming the descriptive sentences into funny turn phrasing, for instance for describing somebody’s quality as “he is not smart” so he does not pose the sharpest tool under the tree. Usage of phrases can be understood as the addition of the meaning to the sentence. A sentence is made with phrases and clauses. Phrases are the important parts and result in meaningful sentences. Examples of phrases are: the cup was on the table, she was lost in the market, I waited for a long time etc.
Idioms and phrases: examples
There are various idioms used in the different circumstances for instance,
Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
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Table1: Examples of idioms
The phrases are the important segments of the sentences and result in meaningful sentences by adding with the clause. Examples of phrases can be understood for instance
- Monday became a hot, wet afternoon.
- This was a recital as old as time.
- He was eager to eat breakfast.
- He might enjoy dinner.
Idioms and phrases: Classification
Idioms classification can be based on three types of idioms: pure idioms, semi idioms and literal idioms.
Pure idioms are conventionalized forms of sentences and are majorly non-literal. Pure idioms provide multi-word expressions.
Semi idioms can have one or more than one literal meaning and one word can have non-literal sub sense.
Literal idioms may be invariable or allow a little amount of variation. They are considered as transparent by poets as they are interpreted based on separate parts.
Classification of phrases includes different types of phrases. There are five types of phrases such as noun, preposition, gerund, verb and infinitive phrases.
Conclusion
The idioms and phrases are an important part of the English language and pose their importance. The idioms are used in showcasing the humour, establishing the opinion or point, stimulating the mind of the reader and twisting the sentence with another set of words. Idioms are the poetic expression of words. Phrases are a set of one or more than one word used in a sentence for serving meaningful sentences. It is used with the clause and placed either in the beginning or at the end of the sentences. Idioms and phrases are conventional yet popular in dramatic and poetic expressions.
