ROCK AND ROLL

Probably the most famous binomial is rock and roll. Why is rock and roll a binomial? Because it has two terms coordinated by a conjunction. In this case, the two terms are both verbs. The terms in binomials, however, can also be two nouns, two verbs, two prepositions, two adverbs or any mix of all the above. Also a binomial can occur with any conjunction, including but and or, and not just and.

Another important thing to know about binomials (and trinomials) is that it is a fixed expression with a fixed order. In other words, it would sound strange to say "I love roll and rock." Portuguese also has binomials such as vira e mexe, altos e baixos, indas e vindas, but they are not nearly as common as they are in English.

To discover the right/best way after making mistakes : Through trial and error

In today´s world: In this day and age

Maintain obedience in society: Keep law and order

Oferta e demanda: supply and demand

The basics for living: food and shelter

Can you think of any others?

Adapted from Como dizer tudo em inglês Avançado by Ron martinez

ELLIPSIS

Dialogue 1: A: What´s your name?

B: My name is John

Dialogue 2: A: What´s your name?

B: John

Which one sounds more natural to you? Dialogue 1 or dialogue 2? Of course dialogue 2 sounds more friendly, conversational and simply more natural. That´s not to say that dialogue 1 isn´t correct or even possible. (And that´s the way many students still learn.) But the linguistic phenomenon represented in dialogue 2, the omission - or ellipsis - of unnecessary information is one of the areas which are key to spoken fluency.

Match the dialogues:

1 - You´re Brazilian, right?

2 - I wasn´t hurt because

I was wearing my helmet.

3 - How do you like this table?

I made it myself

4 - Oh, I have an idea! We can get there faster

if we take the tunnel.

5 - Yes, I know what you mean. The Internet

is a source of stress sometimes, but

it also helps a lot of people.

a - Good thing.

b - Good job.

c- Good thinking.

d - Good point.

e - Good guess.

Adapted from Como dizer tudo em inglês - Avançado by Ron Martinez

FIGURATIVE USE OF COMMON EVERYDAY WORDS OR PHRASES IN BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE.

HOW DO YOU SAY THEM IN ENGLISH?

1 - "abacaxi" - a hot potato; a hard/tough nut to crack

2 - "abobrinha" - baloney; nonsense; rubbish

3 - "bater na mesma tecla" - to harp on about the same thing

4 - "cara-de-pau" - cheeky

5 - "ficar" - to make out

Adapted from Break the branch? Quebrar o galho? by Jack Scholes