luke
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« on: April 28, 2008, 12:41:39 AM » |
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Hi everyone,
Idioms and slang terms can be very hard to understand and use in everyday English. In this area you can ask the meanings of idioms and slang that you have heard, and I'll try to give an example of when to use them.
You can also ask for good idioms and slang terms which are similar to a meaning you suggest. This can help your writing and speaking to sound more natural and like a native speaker.
Luke
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ams78
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« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2009, 09:30:38 PM » |
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An idiom is an expression that has a meaning apart from what the meanings of the individual words mean. Closely related are metaphors and similes. They have meanings that are understood by people who speak that language, but are very hard to understand for people who don't speak that language.
Slang is the use of highly informal words and expressions that's limited to a relatively small group of speakers. Slang words depend on the language used.
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luke
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« Reply #2 on: January 02, 2009, 02:30:37 PM » |
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Thanks for the definition ams78, it was eloquently put. I'm assuming you are a native speaker, so can I ask how you stumbled across this site?
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benleon
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« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2009, 05:31:33 PM » |
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Hi Luke,
Could I use these idioms "Saigon moment" and ''safety in numbers" in the sentences below? Would I be understood?
English learners should not have this saigon moment attitude when practicing speaking English in the classroom, there are other learners too who are in the same position, making mistakes in the process of bettering their speaking skill. With this safety in numbers in mind, the learners should have more courage, even to make mistakes.
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luke
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« Reply #4 on: January 03, 2009, 09:40:28 PM » |
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Hey Ben,
Sorry, but I don't know the Saigon moment idiom. For 'safety in numbers', you need to change it a little.
With this safety in numbers in mind, the learners should have more courage, even when making mistakes.
But it better to use it as a seperate sentence.
e.g. people go on holidays together these days. Safety in numbers.
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benleon
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« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2009, 01:38:08 AM » |
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Hi Luke,
Thank your for the correction. According to the website, the Saigon moment idiom has its origin in the USA. I think I now understand what ams78 meant, that some idioms are limited to a relatively small group of speakers. Yes,I think got the drift.
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luke
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« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2009, 07:49:56 AM » |
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That's great. Your English is really good these days. You must be studying all the time.
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benleon
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« Reply #7 on: January 04, 2009, 11:21:48 AM » |
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Hi Luke,
Thanks to this website and for your guidance. I am much more confident now,especially when it comes to reading a letter. It is a great feeling to know that I no longer need to guese what a sentence said. Take ams78 for example. I am able to understand all the part of speech used in the exchange, which was not possible before. I must attribute my improvement in reading to this website and your guidance. Thanks Luke
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