An idiom is a phrase or saying that is commonly used in everyday English to express certain ideas or opinions. Understanding English idioms is important because they require a deeper familiarity of the English language to comprehend what someone means when they use them in conversation.

Idioms may seem complicated at first, but they can actually be a lot of fun to learn. If you’re interested in building your English skills, read on to find out why idioms are so important to your English language learning.

Idioms Give You a New Way to Express Yourself in the English Language

The meaning of an idiom generally depends on the specific context in which it is used. When someone in America tells you to ‘break a leg’, for example, they aren’t saying that in a literal sense, but instead are wishing you good luck, usually before a performance. Similarly, if someone asks you to ‘think outside the box’, they mean that you should use a different approach than what you might normally do.

Idioms can help students in ESL school express themselves in a more creative way during conversation

Idioms are particularly useful because they give you a new, creative way to express yourself. Rather than saying ‘You’re correct’, you could say ‘You hit the nail on the head’, which is a more complex and interesting expression. Idioms can also be quite humorous to use, which allows you to express yourself in a more genuine way, including showing off your personality and sense of humor.

Understanding Idioms Can Boost Your Conversational English Skills

You may encounter idioms most often in spoken or written conversation. Idioms can help improve your conversational skills because it shows native speakers that you understand the cultural meaning and context behind the idiom you’re using. This can help you feel more comfortable and confident with your conversational abilities the more you practice it during your English language learning courses.

You don’t have to start with the most complex idiom, either—even a simple ‘break a leg’ can help you connect in a more meaningful way during the conversation you’re sharing.

Students at ASC English can use idioms to enrich their conversational skills

Learning about Idioms Can Help Enrich What You Learn in Your ESL Lessons

Native speakers often use idioms more than someone who is new to the language, simply because they are more familiar with them and know the context in which they should be used. Therefore, when you use an idiom, you sound more like a native speaker.

It also helps if you think of English as if it were a soup – the basics may be good, but you need a little extra flavor to take it to the next level. Idioms, in that sense, are the spice that you can add to your English skills as you progress through your ESL lessons. Understanding the basics of English is a good start, but idioms can help you explore the language in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Are you interested in taking your language learning to the next level?

Contact ASC English for more information about our English language school in USA.