In grammar, there are very few concepts more daunting than idioms.
The reasons for this are simple:
A. the number of idioms runs into hundreds.
B. idioms can be arbitrary.
It is a challenge to master this topic, but with the help of this article series, the attempt is to provide you a ready-made list of idioms that you can learn and memorize. Each article carries 5 idiomatic usages (accompanied by correct and incorrect usage examples). For some idioms, the meanings are provided; others are self-explanatory and the meaning has not been given for these idioms.
Make sure you revise these articles now and then so that you do not forget what you learn.
Idiom 1: Allow for
The correct usage for the idiom is: ‘allow for’
Meaning of the Idiom: to give consideration to circumstances or contingencies
Have a look at the correct and incorrect usage examples:
- Correct Usage: Allowing for her inexperience, the manager forgave her mistake.
- Incorrect Usage: Allowing her inexperience, the manager forgave her mistake.
Idiom 2: Among a and b
The correct usage for the idiom is: ‘among a and b’
Meaning of the Idiom: to evaluate more than 2 options
Have a look at the correct and incorrect usage examples:
- Correct Usage: She cannot decide between a dress, a pair of sandals, and a purse.
- Incorrect Usage: She cannot decide between a dress, a pair of sandals, and a purse.
Idiom 3: Appear to be
The correct usage for the idiom is: ‘appear to be’
Meaning of the Idiom:as if, looks to be
Have a look at the correct and incorrect usage examples:
- Correct Usage: The sweater appears to be overrated.
- Incorrect Usage: The sweater appears overrated.
Idiom 4: Appeals to
The correct usage for the idiom is: ‘appeals to’
Meaning of the Idiom: to please or to attract someone
Have a look at the correct and incorrect usage examples:
- Correct Usage: The fragrance of the perfume appeals to me.
- Incorrect Usage: The fragrance of the perfume appealsme.
Idiom 5: Approve of
The correct usage for the idiom is: ‘approve of’
Meaning of the Idiom: to take a favorable/unfavorable view of someone/something.
Have a look at the correct and incorrect usage examples:
- Correct Usage: I approve of the new business scheme.
- Incorrect Usage: I approve the new business scheme.