Differences between words, phrases and idioms

Differences between words, phrases and idioms

• this entry will illuminate similarities and distinctions between usage
• a goal of this article is to provide a rule for idiomatic usage
  • idiomatic means use of a word or phrase out of practice, outside of any particular rule
    • i.e., we use the word or phrase because we use it
    • = a circular, non-rules-based and inadequate explanation for word and phrase choice
• rules-based syntax (word choice) is more effective than pure memorization of word context and phrases
• See also:
  • Parts of speech
  • List of word parts of speech & their grammar rules

grammar syntax

Here for difference between

General rules for idioms

• idioms are words or phrases that create their own rule
• however, idioms have a logic

prepositions as idiomatic

• prepositions introduce a modifying phrase (prepositional phrase)
• prepositional phrases tell the reader about something
  • define or modify according to
    • time
    • distance
    • places
    • means or method
    • ownership
• since many prepositions are synonymous, their use may be considered idiomatic
• however, we can think of the "idiomatic" use of a preposition as inherent to its definition

A-C

at once v. right away

• at once = immediately or now, but an also mean "simultaneously"
  • ex. "I'll get to that at once"
  • v. "I'll do both things at once"
• right away = immediately, but can also indicate "next" or "soon"
  • ex., "I'll get to that right away"
  • v. "I'll get to that right away, as soon as I'm done with this first thing"

G-I

in which / at which v where

• in which = the preposition "in" + the relative pronoun "which"
  • in which specifies the "where" or location
    • "That's the isle at the grocery store in which they sell chocolate cakes"
  • at which also specifies a reference, not necessarily location
    • "The doctor's office at which you get shots"
  • difference between in which and at which
    • "I met him at the store in which I work" = we met specifically in the store in which I work
    • vs. "I met him at the store at which I work" = we met at the or a store similar to the one in which I work
      • it's a very slight distinction that regards the specificity of the location
      • so the "in which" is more specific as to the action than "at which"
• where always refers to a place or location
  • it is interchangeable with "at which" or "in which"
    • but is less formal and therefore easier to say and hear
    • ex. "I met him at the store where I work"
• see { https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/where-versus-in-which When to use "Which" (quickanddirtytips.com]

= near v. by v. next to v. on=v

• near = close but not next to
• nearby = closer than "near"
• by = next to, whether or not particularly close; also means to go past something
• next to = adjacent to
• on = within, touching, or attached to the top of
• ex.:
  • "I drove near the supermarket" = I was near but not close to the supermarket, I was in its vicinity
  • "I drove by the supermarket" = I directly passed the supermarket
  • "I drove next to the supermarket" = I passed the supermarket, whether directly or not