Idioms

We say some 'silly' things, but only if we are reliant on literal meaning...

Idioms

via How-To-Study.com New Study Skills Articles on 8/17/09

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An idiom is an expression that is characteristic of a particular language, but that means something different from the literal meaning of the words. For example, the idiom "having the upper hand," has nothing to do with hands. It means to have the advantage in a situation. People frequently use idioms because they make speech and writing more colorful and interesting. Here are some commonly used idioms and their meanings. Sell someone short - underestimate someone. Sitting pretty - be in a fortunate position. Hit the ceiling - become very angry. Pull someone's leg - fool someone. Wet blanket - a dull or...

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The Wrong Plaice At The Write Thyme: Choosing The Correct Word In English

One of the silliest things about the English language is that there are so many words that sound alike. These homophones may sound alike, but they have completely different meanings and can cause a great deal of confusion for ESL students and even for those who claim English as their first language. The problem is that getting it wrong not only leads to an embarrassing change in the meaning of your intended message, but also gives people the impression that you are uneducated or unprofessional. Breaking English Grammar rules can result in reduced credibility. Some people will discount your message if it is riddled with mistakes.

Here is a list of three of the most frequent, and most frustrating, misused words in English. Put up your hand if you have made these mistakes before - please note my raised hand!

Affect or Effect:

Oh, boy! This one is a killer. These words cannot be used interchangeably. 'Affect' means to produce an influence on or to bring about a change in. 'Effect' means to bring about, produce, result in or have as a result.

Thus, 'Skipping breakfast may affect his low grades' means that if he does not eat breakfast, then this may have some kind of influence, either positive or negative, on his ability to learn.

Note the difference if we use 'effect' instead: 'Skipping breakfast may effect his low grades' means that if he does not eat breakfast, then this will bring about his low grades.

Its or It's:

Another really common error and one of my personal pet peeves! The apostrophe in the word it's never indicates possession. Rather the word it's is a contraction of it is. To indicate possession, the apostrophe is not used. I know! I know! English is a very silly language filled with exceptions, but we don't really have any choice.

Correct: 'Did you see the English Grammar Guide? It's very confusing, isn't it?'

Incorrect: 'Did you see the English Grammar Guide? I didn't understand it's content at all!'

Correct: 'Did you see the English Grammar Guide? I didn't understand its content at all!'

They're or Their or There:

These three words are also frequently misused, which is surprising because they're not that difficult to understand if they're used in their correct context. Don't cry! There, there!

Just think about it like this:

They're with an apostrophe is a contraction of they are. Example: 'They're going to the party.'

Their is a word that indicates possession. Example: 'We are going to their party.'

There is a word that indicates a place. Example: 'We are going to the party over there.'

I hope this short list has given you something to think about. It really is just a starting point for those wishing to gain a better understanding of English Grammar rules. Stay tuned for more pointers coming soon!