Binomials

Binomials are expressions (often idiomatic) where two words are joined by a conjunction (usually'and'). The order of the words is usually fixed, usually used in informal situations, with one or two exception.

odds and ends (small, unimportant things. e.g. Let's get the main things packed, we can do the odds and ends later)

give and take: a spirit of compromise, e.g. Every relationship needs a bit of give and take to be succesful.

1. We can oftern tell something is a binomial because of the sound pattern.

- Tears are part and parcel of growing up (part of/ belong to)

- The manager was ranting and raving at us (shouting/ very angry)

- The old church has gone to rack and ruin (ruined/ decayed)

- He's so prim and proper at work (rather formal and fussy)

- The apartment was a bit rough and ready (poor standard)

- She has to wine and dine dimportant clients (entertain)

2. Other times, the clue is that the words are near-synonims

* You can pick and choose; it's up to you (have a wide choice)

* My english is progressing in leaps and bounds (big jumps)

* It's nice to have some peace and quiet (peace calm)

* The doctor recommended some rest and recreation (relaxation)

* First and foremost, you must work hard (first / most importantly)

3. Many grammar words combine to form binomials

- There are restaurants here and there (scattered round)

- We've had meetings on and off (occasionally)

- I've been running back and forth all day (to and from somewhere)

- To and fro can be used just like back and forth

- She is unemployed and down and out (without a home or money)

- He's better now, and out and about again (going out)

- She ran up and down the street (in both directions)

4. Four very neutral binomials (black and white, ladies and gentleman, back and forth, hot and cold)

5. Binomials linked by words other than and.

* You've got your sweater on back to front (the wrong way)

* He won't help her; she'll have to sink or swim (survive or fail)

* Slowly but surely, I realised the boat was sinking (gradually)

* Sooner or later, you'll learn your lesson (some time/ day)

* She didn't want to be just friends; it had to be all or nothing

* Well I'm sorry, that's all I can offer you; take it or leave it

* It's about the same distances as from here to our house, give or take a few miles (perhaps a mile or two more, or a mile or two less)