Learn English Idioms

When you learn English idioms, you take English out of textbook and into the real world.  The English language can be considered as being made up of two components: (i) "Textbook English" and (ii) "Natural English". The textbook form of English is composed using proper English vocabulary, while strictly adhering to the rules of English grammar. The sentences in textbook English are necessarily grammatically correct and complete in all respects. The natural form of English, on the other hand, allows liberal use of slang, jargon, phrases and idioms, lending a colorful hue to the language. 

Natural English is spoken at an informal level, and it is the idioms in the language that give it a natural, conversational and creative feel. So, if you want to speak English fluently, just like a native speaker, it is important that you learn English idioms.

Before you go ahead and learn English idioms, consider these sentences ? If you want to speak English like a native, then you have "no other go" but to learn English idioms. If you are hitting on any other website ? other than LearningEnglishA-Z.com ? then you are "barking up the wrong tree", because we are the "cat's whiskers" when it comes to English resources, and we make learning English "a piece of cake". Remember, we're here to "give you a hand" and teach you English "at a fast clip".

You will notice that the phrases above that are enclosed in quotation marks do not make much sense literally, but when used in the idiomatic sense create a magical effect in the language. Idioms make the English language sound very warm, informal, easy-going, interesting and creative.

So, what is an idiom anyway?

Idioms are a cluster of words or phrases that have a meaning of their own peculiar to that language. For example, we have said above that learning English with us will be a piece of cake ? now, you cannot take the meaning of "a piece of cake" in the literal sense; you have to understand it in the idiomatic sense, in which it means "easy". 

To put it simply, an idiom can be defined as an expression. You may also have understood that idioms may contradict the basic tenets of English composition, but are indispensable nevertheless because they have a culture of their own. You will be surprised to know that phrases and idioms spoken many, many years back have now been engraved in the human psyche, and many idioms and phrases, or their mutations, are commonly used in advertisements and in film dialogues.

The bottom line is that if you want to know English "like the back of your hand", and want to speak English like native English speakers, you've got to learn English idioms ? period. But, hey, you can "breathe easy" now, because this section features a comprehensive list of powerful resources that can help you learn English idioms "in no time"! Not just that, when you're through with our resources, you will be able to understand English idioms and use them perfectly in your spoken/written English. So, what are you waiting for? "Go for it"!

Teacher Joe 25 idioms you can use.

GoEnglish A great listing of dozens of the most popular idioms. Click on the idiom itself and get a more detailed explanation.

Idiom Connection A whole site dedicated to English idioms. Huge listings. Quizzes.

Return from Learn English Idioms to Learn English Vocabulary

View the original article here