Idioms & Idiomatic Expression SS3 English Studies Lesson Note

VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT

Idiomatic Expression

First, let’s define what an idiomatic expression is.

An idiom is a phrase that, when taken as a whole, has a meaning you wouldn’t be able to interpret from the meanings of the individual words. It is majorly the same thing as taking a different route, but arriving at the same destination.

Idiomatic expression allows a person to express themselves with words that can only be understood when taken as a whole.

The phrase “kill two birds with one stone” is an example of an idiom.

Regular English speakers understand that this doesn’t refer to harming birds or using stones, but that someone is completing two tasks at once.

Let’s take a look at Pure Idioms, Binomial Idioms, and Partial Idioms.

Pure Idioms

This is your typical idiom, the meaning of which cannot be interpreted by its components. For example, when someone says, “Spill the beans,” they are asking someone to reveal a secret, not to pour out a can of beans. But you wouldn’t know that by looking at each word of that phrase.

Binomial Idioms

This idiom is a phrase that contains two words joined by a conjunction or a preposition. Some examples include “by and large” (everything considered), “dos and don’ts” (guidelines on what to do and/or avoid in a certain situation), and “heart-to-heart” (a candid conversation between two people).

Partial Idioms

This idiom is one that’s been shortened into one part, with the second part generally being understood by regular speakers of the English language. People often use the partial idiom “when in Rome,” with the understanding that the other person knows the second part: “do as the Romans do.”

In summary, merely looking at an individual word will not allow you the opportunity to grasp the entire meaning of a phrase unless it is wholly combined. For this reason, we define idiom as a phrase that, when taken as a whole, has a meaning you wouldn’t be able to interpret from the meanings of the individual words.

Evaluation 

• What must be done to be able to understand Idiomatic Expressions?

Reading Assignment

Give the right interpretation to these idioms:

• A stitch in time saves nine
• Don’t cry over spilled milk
• Let the sleeping dog lie
• A bird in hand is worth two in the bush

Weekend Assignment

• Give two examples each of Pure Idioms, Binomial, and Partial Idioms.

READING FOR COMPREHENSION

SUMMARY 

Summary is the contraction into a few sentences the main point and essence of an essay, the discourse of any formal document. To summarise, describe in your own words a shorter version of the passage you have read, stating the main points and leaving out every other thing that is not essential. This is more than retelling, it involves analysing information, distinguishing important from unimportant elements and translating a lot of information into a few words or sentences. 

The summary allows you to reinforce the learning of major points. Therefore, when reading to summarise, you need to; 

1. Pull out the key details and points. 
2. Focus on the main points or key details. 
3. Use the key words and phrases. 
4. Break down large ideas. 
5. Take succinct but complete notes, you should not; 

• Copy word for word. 
• Get scanty in ideas. 
• Write too much. 
• Write incomplete sentences. 
• Write down almost everything in the passage. 
• Write ideas that are not expressed in the passage. 

It is also important to note that; 

1. Only the main point and some subordinate points are required. 
2. The main point can be stated directly or implied. 
3. All extraneous materials should be left out. Use a few quotations.