Fixed Expressions

Reading and Use of English

B2 First

Fixed Expressions

01 A fixed expression is a combination of words which express an idea. It has taken on more meaning that the individual words while still maintaining a lexical connection. It is frequently used in certain circumstances to express a specific idea.

Examples include: My sister asked me to keep an eye on her kids while she was working late. (to watch / look after) It came as no surprise when Lawrence got the job. (it was expected / not surprising) It is only a matter of time until that bridge collapses. (it will happen at some point in the future) If she doesn’t start training, she won’t stand a chance of winning the race. (has no possibility)

What’s the difference between a fixed expression and an idiom?

Idioms use words that are completely removed from their lexical meaning. The meaning cannot be deduced from its individual words and it has a separate meaning of its own. Examples include: My brother is a couch potato. (lazy) I can’t believe she let the cat out of the bag. (reveal a secret) Sarah’s new boyfriend really rubs me the wrong way. (annoy / bother) Losing the contract added insult to injury. (make a bad situation worse)

How to learn fixed expressions

Here are some tips to make fixed expressions stick: Always look at fixed expressions as a whole and preferably in context. Whenever you do an exam task (or any task) that has fixed expressions, have the fixed expressions written down, think of a synonymous expression and write an example sentence. Have a vocabulary notebook and review those expressions constantly.

Let´s practice !