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Tenacious Learner Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Idiom vs an idiomatic phrase

Hi Teachers,

What is the difference between an idiom and an idiomatic phrase?

eg. in a hurry

This one is an idiom and an idiomatic phrase, isn't it?

Thanks in advance
  

Top answer

Hi, An idiomatic expression doesn't necessarily have to function as an idiom by itself. In a hurry is an idiom, I grant you, but I wouldn't necessarily name all the idiomatic expressions idioms. An idiom is a group of words that create a special meaning when they are combined with each other, unlike the meaning they would have if you read them separately (as individual words).

— Regards

  • Hi, An idiomatic expression doesn't necessarily have to function as an idiom by itself.
  • In a hurry is an idiom, I grant you, but I wouldn't necessarily name all the idiomatic expressions idioms.
  • An idiom is a group of words that create a special meaning when they are combined with each other, unlike the meaning they would have if you read them separately (as individual words).
  • However, an idiomatic expression is often a phrase that sounds natural to the native speaker.
  • Note that idiomatic expressions don't follow the grammar rules at all times, but nevertheless they do seem reasonable.
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2 Answers
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Hi,

An idiomatic expression doesn't necessarily have to function as an idiom by itself. In a hurry is an idiom,

I grant you, but I wouldn't necessarily name all the idiomatic expressions idioms. An idiom is a group

of words that create a special meaning when they are combined with each other, unlike

the meaning they would have if you read them separately
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Hi Regards,

Thank you for such a detailed explanation.

Best,

TS
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