Exploring Types of English Expressions

English Expressions are group of words that are commonly used by English native speakers and often have a different meaning than their words.

Here we list the different types of English expressions. The resources linked are designed for language learners and students.

Although it is good to learn the meanings of these types of phrases, or at least recognize them, it is not necessary to know what linguistic category each expression belongs. But it is good to know what these are when you read about the English language.

Simile

  • What is a Simile? Definition and Examples

a log in bed for the simile sleep like a log
boy reading a book whilst inside a big nutshell, for the metaphor in a nutshell

Metaphor

  • What is a Metaphor? Definition and Examples

Proverb

  • What is a Proverb? Definition and Examples

clock with bags of money for time is money proverb

Idiom

a cup of tea with a stormy cloud above to represent the idiom storm in a tea cup
  • What is an Idiom? Definition and Examples

     

Cliché

  • What is a Cliché? Definition and Examples

spillthebeans

Truism

bird with a worm in its beak for the truism of the early bird catches the worm
  • What is a Truism? Definition and Examples

Saying

  • What is a Saying? Definition and Examples

plate served with the saying actions speak louder than words

Learn English idioms and expressions

Students that have English lessons will hear these expressions used by native English speakers and may need to know them for an exam for example. But there are so many phrases that are not clear or understandable it is difficult to learn and speak them.

But the more of these expressions you understand the meaning and context of use then the better if you wish to be like a native speaker.

Many common English idioms and phrases are not understandable from the individual words so we need to learn them. The English language has many terms, phrases and jargon that make sense once you have seen them once or twice.

English expressions and meanings

There are many expressions that are useful English to know as they are used to describe so nay everyday situations, or used to explain how someone feels or acts.

Many of these groups of words can be put in several categories and many are considered idioms as well as their initial linguistic group. They are also used in different ways that means they can have a different meaning given the context on how they are said.

There are many varieties of expressions in English. visit this website if you wish to learn these categories.

English vocabulary, sentences and grammar

In grammar we have groups of words that are described as nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. these are called parts of speech. There are also noun, verb, and prepositional phrases.

So, on this website a group of words that are commonly used like time is money,let the cat out of the bag, the best thing since sliced bread and raining cats and dogs, are called expressions.

Common English Idioms and common phrases

We hope you can benefit from the many resources to help learn expressions in English either on this page, linked, or on this website.

We understand that these phrases are something to avoid for many students especially beginners. But the more you practice the better your English will become, so good luck with your learning.

Summary

If you are interested in more material to learn about expressions then there is plenty of articles, information and exercises to help you.

Other categories

These categories will be added shortly.

Euphemism

What is a Euphemism? Definition and Examples

Pun

What is a Pun? Definition and Examples

Hyperbole

What is a Hyperbole? Definition and Examples

Understatement

What is an Understatement? Definition and Examples

Paradox

What is a Paradox? Definition and Examples

Oxymoron

What is an Oxymoron? Definition and Examples

Colloquialisms

What are Colloquialisms? Definition and Examples

Quote

What is a Quote? Definition and Examples

Slang

What is Slang? Definition and Examples

Rhyming Slang

What is Rhyming Slang? Definition and Examples