Idiomatic Expressions

Idioms

A group of words that has a meaning different from the literal meaning of the individual words.

“It’s raining cats and dogs.”

Meaning: It is raining very heavily.

“Break the ice.”

Meaning: To start a conversation in a friendly way.

“Hit the books.”

Meaning: To study seriously.

“Under the weather.”

Meaning: To feel unwell.

“Piece of cake.”

Meaning: Something very easy.

“Burn the midnight oil.”

Meaning: To study/work late into the night.

Common Usage

Phrases

A group of words that work together but does not have a subject and a finite verb.

On time – at the correct or scheduled time.
In trouble – in difficulty or danger.
By the way – used to add extra information.
Take care – look after yourself.
Make up your mind – decide or choose.
As soon as possible – without delay.
Structural Grammar

Clauses

A group of words that has a subject and a verb.

Main Clause

“She went to school.”

Subordinate Clause

“...because she wanted to learn.”

Synthesized Sentence

“She went to school because she wanted to learn.”

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