Is there a difference between idioms and street slang? And collocations and parasail verbs?
I’m having a debate with my Egyptian husband who is also an English Teacher 🤷🏼♀️
3 answers from our tutors
1) Collocation are words in English which always go together and sound right, sometimes understandable to a native speaker but may not be grammatically right. Example, I am on a fast way, the right statement is I am on the fast lane or fast track. 2) Idioms are groups of words with a certain meaning that is different from the meaning of each word on its own. Example Take a step at a time (you need to do one thing a time) 3) A phrasal verb consists of two words or an expression that has a verb and another one or two words. Example watch out, watch over or watch out for 4) Street Slang As we all know the meaning of slang as common and general words that people use in an informal way. This is a very common way among we native speakers to speak with friends, family member or close relative. Most of these words are adopted from the street or just in a social platform or like a slogan ....I think I have to run for now, I am out!
Idioms are often used in literature and written English. On the other hand, slang is often used in spoken language but very less in written language. This is also an important difference between idiom and slang. A phrasal verb is usually a combination of a verb + a preposition which usually changes the meaning from that of the original verb.
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Phrasal verbs I meant. I’m not sure of the answer. That’s why I asked! Lol
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Best answer
Hi My first advice is watching TV series and listening podcasts. In addition buying favourite books in English Best regards
