Differences between words, phrases and idioms

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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:

grammar syntax


Here for difference between

General rules for idioms[edit | edit source]

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

prepositions as idiomatic[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

at once v. right away[edit | edit source]

  • 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"

D-F[edit | edit source]

G-I[edit | edit source]

in which / at which v where[edit | edit source]

  • 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]

J-L[edit | edit source]

M-O[edit | edit source]

= near v. by v. next to v. on=v[edit | edit source]

  • 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

P-R[edit | edit source]

S-U[edit | edit source]

V-X[edit | edit source]

Y-Z[edit | edit source]