Literacy Live!

LCNV Library Resource Highlight

Occasionally, students at the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia ask about idioms and expressions – What do they mean?  How do I use them correctly?

We use phrasal verbs and collocations so frequently in our daily interactions that we might sometimes forget how strange they must sound to an English language learner.  Can you imagine what a direct translation of “to get on one’s nerves,” “to cut corners,” or even “break the law” must sound like?  With all the nuances in the English language spelling and structure, idioms and expressions add one more layer of confusion for our learners.  We have a great resource in the library to help define these expressions and provide ample practice in using them.

Essential Idioms in English: Phrasal Verbs and Collocations by Robert J. Dixson

From the publisher:

Organized by level for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, Essential Idioms in English remains the resource of choice for mastering more than 500 common English idioms, phrasal verbs, and collocations. Essential Idioms in English thoroughly defines and illustrates each idiom, then reinforces its meaning and usage with multiple-choice, true-false, fill-in-the-blank, and matching exercises.

Features:

• Three new sections on collocations to illustrate the frequency of certain usages.

• An expanded Appendix of Equivalent Idioms that includes Portuguese, French, and Spanish translations.

• Eight-page section on dictionary skills helps students build their knowledge of vocabulary and usage.

Come check out a copy today!  It’s easy to do!  Either stop by our office or call and have the book sent to you through Fairfax County’s Public Library system.

Erin Finn
Director of Classroom Programs
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866 x113
www.lcnv.org