How to Learn American English Idiomatic Expressions and Phrasal Verbs - Speak With Confidence

Learning English idiomatic expressions is different from learning normal English vocabulary. To be successful one must absolutely employ a different approach. Here are the important tips to follow for your success.

· Idioms must be learned through situational context

· Idioms must be "explained" not just "defined"

· Don't waste time learning hundreds of unimportant "slang" terms

· Don't approach phrasal verb idioms by trying to memorize hundreds of verb and preposition combinations

· Don't "create"... "Imitate"

· Don't chase the idioms. Let them come to you

Idioms must be learned through situational context.

A large number of American idioms are born out of the historical and cultural evolution of the country. This multi-cultural heritage along with historical events, give American idioms a wide range of richness and color. This allows for a tremendous depth of communication.

A non-native teacher of English from India teaches her English students to completely avoid trying to actually use American idioms. She says they should only learn them for purposes of comprehension. Her belief is that the subtle, cultural and historic influences connected with these expressions render them impossible for a non-native to really understand and use correctly. She feels that non-native speakers will only appear foolish by incorrectly using these expressions.

She is correct about appearing foolish through incorrect use, but the historical and cultural connections to the idiomatic expressions can most certainly be taught and learned. But it has to be done right... one idiom at a time, presented in real settings through stories, sound effects, music and natural dialog. Subtle intonations and pronunciations should be all audible. This brings the idioms to life. They become real. Now you don't just hear the idiom... you begin to "feel" it.

Idioms must be "explained" not just "defined."

Simple dictionary definitions are not adequate. Idioms must be experienced in real, situational context, so that one may "feel" their meanings. Dictionary example sentences alone are too simplistic. The reader is left bewildered and still unsure as to how and when to use the expression.

One advantage of online, idiom dictionaries is that you can find almost every expression listed. But it is impossible to know how and when to use the expression. With idiomatic expressions it is very easy to appear foolish through wrong and inappropriate use. Enough time must be taken on the part of the teacher to convey adequate understanding.

Don't waste time learning hundreds of unimportant "slang" terms.

Native speakers in the U.S. use about 4,000 common, every-day idiomatic expressions. Learning 100 or 200 idioms is not enough. On the other hand, it is important not to waste time learning hundreds of hot, new slang terms that have very narrow usage and will be replaced next year by the newest slang terms.

Why learn hundreds of expressions that most native speakers don't even understand and have never heard of, when there are several thousand basic, idioms that you really need to learn. Virtually all native speakers understand and use these basic expressions on a daily basis? Put your time into what will bring you the greatest benefit.

Don't approach phrasal verb idioms by trying to memorize hundreds of verb and preposition combinations and rules.

The vast majority of well-educated, American citizens probably do not even know what a "phrasal verb" is. They most certainly do not know that there are four different kinds of them. Even if they had known these details, this knowledge would not have played any role in their learning how to correctly and fluently utilize these expressions.

In fact, even children correctly use phrasal verbs. What is the message here? Learn phrasal verbs the way you learn the other idiomatic expressions outlined in this article... one expression at a time, in natural context and with an explanation of its use.

Don't "create"... "Imitate."

When children begin to speak for the first time, they sound cute. When adults begin to speak a foreign language for the first time, they too sound cute. But, there is one major difference. Adults are not children.

Adults have gotten used to expressing complex, profound ideas through the medium of language. What would literature, poetry, science, drama or comedy be without the ability to clearly convey these concepts, feelings and thoughts?

The literate adult has learned to make language his servant. The gifted poet no longer speaks to you in words. He now touches your heart with sound. She no longer writes words on paper. She now etches directly into your imagination. Once you have experienced the sun, you will never want to dwell in the shadows again.

But voila! Here you are, a child again... trying to master another language. How frustrating! You feel foolish making all those mistakes. You mispronounce words. You don't understand what people are saying. You are not used to this. You are a professional. People take you seriously. When you speak, people listen. You don't want to talk about notebooks and homework, or what the weather is like.

You want to discuss real things, relevant things. So on your own, you begin to learn new words and new English idiomatic expressions that are important to you. You want to speed up this learning process.

You have just walked into a trap. You have prematurely begun to get "creative." Foreign languages are learned by imitating native speakers. Especially while practicing your idiomatic expressions, it is extremely important not to get too creative too soon. The structure and usage of each idiom is confined and exact. There is just no room for much creativity. Here is a simple rule:

"If you have never heard a native speaker use a particular idiom in the context you want to use it, then you should avoid using it there. Only imitate model expressions that you have heard native speakers use, and use them in the same context."

Don't chase the idioms. Let them come to you.

To effectively learn the correct use of American idioms, it is important to have a good teacher, a good study program or both. If one does not have access to a teacher, then the quality of the study program is even more important. Search for one that has the qualities I mentioned above.

This program should teach basic idiomatic expressions that virtually all native speakers commonly understand and use. If the program is organized well, it should keep you busy, steadily building your vocabulary (don't forget, you need to learn a few thousand basic expressions). There should be no need to search online idiom dictionaries for new English idiomatic expressions to learn. You also minimize the risk of inappropriate or incorrect use of the expressions.

Tom Heard is a freelance writer and published author. His new book and audio series: "English Through Idioms" advances a bold, new approach to an old nagging problem... how can English learners best learn American English idiomatic expressions? Tom's dramatic approach walks you through fascinating, short stories and dialogues, from the scary to the romantic. The stories are complete with music and sound effects; you can hear the natural intonation of each expression as it conveys its feeling and makes the subtle come alive.

With "English Through Idioms" you will speak with confidence, understand everyone and gain the respect you deserve.

http://englishthroughidioms.com/

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008V2ATBO

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