اللغة الإنجليزية – Vocabulary: Idioms and Phrasal Verbs – 2 ثانوي – شعبة آداب – بكالوريا – المنهاج الجزائري

English Vocabulary: Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Idioms and phrasal verbs are essential components of the English language that enrich expression and reflect the cultural aspects of English-speaking societies. Mastering them is crucial for achieving fluency and understanding authentic English texts and conversations.

What are Idioms?

An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its individual words. Idioms are deeply rooted in culture and add colour and vividness to language.

• “Break the ice” – to start a conversation in a social situation (كسر الجمود).
• “Hit the nail on the head” – to describe exactly what is causing a situation (أصاب كبد الحقيقة).
• “Once in a blue moon” – very rarely (نادراً ما).
• “Piece of cake” – something very easy (سهل جداً).
• “Cost an arm and a leg” – very expensive (غالي جداً).

What are Phrasal Verbs?

A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or an adverb (or both) that creates a meaning different from the original verb. Phrasal verbs are very common in spoken English.

• Give up: stop trying (يستسلم / يتخلى عن).
• Look after: take care of (يعتني بـ).
• Put off: postpone (يؤجل).
• Turn down: refuse (يرفض).
• Come across: find by chance (يصادف).
• Carry out: perform or execute (ينفذ).

Examples in Context

Example 1: “I was nervous at the party, but John told a joke to break the ice.” (كنت متوتراً في الحفلة، لكن جون قال نكتة لكسر الجمود).

Example 2: “The students decided to carry out a research project about climate change.” (قرر الطلاب تنفيذ مشروع بحثي حول تغير المناخ).

Example 3: “She came across an old photograph while cleaning her room.” (صادفت صورة قديمة أثناء تنظيف غرفتها).

Exercises

1. Match each idiom with its meaning:
   a. Break the ice – (1) very expensive
   b. Piece of cake – (2) start a conversation
   c. Cost an arm and a leg – (3) very easy
2. Fill in the blanks with suitable phrasal verbs: look after, give up, turn down.
   a. The nurse must _________ the patients carefully.
   b. Never _________ your dreams.
   c. She _________ the job offer because it required moving abroad.
3. Write three sentences using different idioms from this lesson.

Links

For more English vocabulary lessons, visit Globalization and Cultural Identity and review How to Write an Essay.