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

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"

= 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