Using English idioms to write your essay is a great way to maximize your potential. Native speakers use special phrases and location-specific lingos to express themselves. So, it is always a great idea if you incorporate idiomatic language to write your essay.
Almost every student bothers, “Will my professor grade my essay well?”. While digital spaces like MyAssignmenthelp.com can ensure well-written samples for better grades, one must also learn things independently. This is where this blog comes into play.
Now that you are eager to know about English idioms and how to use them in your essay as a native speaker, read along and sharpen your skills like a pro.
Some Idioms to Make You Sound Like a Native
The right use of idioms depends on understanding how many sentences should an essay be. Overpopulating an essay with too many unnecessary expressions will ruin the essence of the write-up. So, one needs to decide on things in accordance with the essay length and type.
Here are some idiomatic expressions to take your essay paper up a notch.
- To go the extra mile
Meaning: To do way more than is expected or necessary - To blow smoke
Meaning: To mislead or deceive someone intentionally - It takes two to tango
Meaning: Sometimes, only one person is not enough to make something work out. It takes joint efforts. - Once in a blue moon
Meaning: An extremely rare occurrence - Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: Everyone can make promises, but only a few make efforts to fulfill them.
- Ignorance is bliss
Meaning: Sometimes, it is better not to know or find out anything about something or someone. - A piece of cake
Meaning: An extremely easy task that anybody can accomplish
- To kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To solve two problems with a single action - To break a leg
Meaning: This is used to encourage someone before they take part in a major event or action. - To keep an eye on the ball
Meaning: To remain fully focused on the task or the end goal - Turn the tables
Meaning: To reverse a situation to someone’s advantage
- Breaking the Ice
Meaning: To break social awkwardness - As dead as a doornail
Meaning: This is used to describe something that is not working anymore - Elephant in the Room
Meaning: Generally used to refer to an awkward or controversial topic - Don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Don’t form an opinion about a person or a thing by their outer appearance
Although these are some of the most sought-after idioms, you can always keep an eye out for more such expressions.
How to Write Essays with Idioms?
Here comes the bigger question. Many a time, students try to figure out how to use the right idiomatic expressions to supercharge their essays. If you are one of them, here’s everything you should know.
- Avoid cliches
Too much of anything is of no-good use. Idioms are certainly not an exception. So, the idea is to avoid using too many repetitive idioms. It will only confuse your readers and make the essay drab. Focus on the essay topic closely and know what needs to be done.
Not all topics and perspectives will need the same idiomatic expression. Even if it does, there should be relevancy and contextual accuracy. So, you should scan through the topic well, create an outline and proceed accordingly.
- Keep a list handy
This works great. You may miss out on using some of the most relevant idioms without keeping a list handy. So, keep an eye out for the latest expressions and their uses.
Once done, make a list of the same and keep referring to it on the go. This is especially effective when you are asked to work on research essays and assignments across argumentative topics.
- Get introduced to the ground rules
There are some rules for using idioms. It is suggested you know them well enough before writing an essay. First of all, an idiom should put across a clear meaning. Secondly, it should have a purpose and that it is likely to be understood by the target audience. Thirdly, make sure you understand what idiomatic expression you’re using and that it is not offensive or biased.
In Conclusion,
So, let’s assume you have got the hang of idioms and how to use them in essays. Keep referring to this blog on the go, implement the right strategy, and never miss out on making an impression of excellence. Creativity and idioms go hand in hand. Knowing how to incorporate idioms in a creatively engaging way is no less than art. Be the Picasso of it.
Good luck!
