Fixed and Semi Fixed Expressions (lexical items)

Topic - 11

FIXED AND Semi FIXED EXPRESSIONS (LEXICAL ITEMS)

INTRODUCTION

A fixed expression in English is a standard form of expression that has taken on a more specific meaning than the expression itself. It is different from a proverb in that it is used as a part of sentence, and is the standard way of expressing a concept or idea.

Examples

● all of a sudden

● come to mind

● to tell you the truth

● come rain or shine

● fall in line

● so to speak

In everyday conversation and writing, fixed expressions are extensively used. For example,

● The little girl was at ease on the stage when asked to perform in front of a large audience.

● He is interested in birds and animals in general. 

● The information on their website is out of date.

Practice Exercises

I. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with fixed expressions.

(out of sight, within reach, in short supply, out of danger, on duty, in fact, in danger, in case, in brief, to tell you the truth)

1. The World Cup is now ________ of the Indian cricket team; they only need to beat the Australian team.

2. She stood watching the car until it was out of sight ______.

3. Fortunately, he did not incur severe injuries; he is ______ now. 

4. He is a police officer, and he usually has to be ______ even on Sundays.

5. In the market, vegetables were ______ because of the strike called by truck drivers.

6. Call the doctor ______ he loses consciousness.

7. He described the situation ______ to the waiting crowds before rushing away to the court.

8. If the bridge collapses they are _____of being cut off from the city. 

9. I thought he was an engineer; _____, he's a mechanic.

10. _______ I don't enjoy going to parties.

II. Underline the fixed expressions in the sentences given below.

1. How dare you enter the class without my permission? 

2. Ravi I heard that you are taking the exam once again. That's the spirit my boy.

3. Today's my day I will do whatever I like.

4. I thought you will not help me in carrying out this project. But contrary to my expectation, you helped me. Thanks to you.

5. Ravi it seems that you are transferred to Hyderabad. Is this true?

6. He is beating around the bush. That's why many people do not attend his lectures. They really make no sense.

7. Friends! Just now I got to know that our excursion has been cancelled owing to the riots in our neighbouring state. But have no worries, your money will be refunded.

8. Students! You will have to pay the fee before 20th of this month or else you will not be given your hall ticket. Is that clear?

9. If you have any queries, you are welcome. 

10. Mr. Peter, meet Mr.Sam the CEO of this organisation. Hello Sir, Nice meeting you.

III. Fill in the blanks with suitable words to make acceptable fixed expressions.

1. Pleased to _____ you.

a. track

b. meet

c. worth

d. done

2. It's worth a _____.

a. mean

b. time

c. try

d. mean

3. Lost _____ of time. 

a. pleased 

b. alright

c. track

d. go on

4. Out of the _____.

a. done 

b. does

c. meet

d. world

5. What does it

a. alright 

b. pleased

c.mean

d. world

6. It shall be _____.

a. try

b. mean

c. can't

d. done

7. We are _____ for.

a. differ

b. try

c. mean

d. done

8. _____to hear that.

a. Meet

b. Pleased

c. Go on

d. Differ

9. I beg to _______from you.

a. hear 

b. differ

c. world

d. track

10. This can't be ______.

a. done

b. alright

c. go on

d. mean