In Idioms^x, Expressions^x

Hi ForbesThank you for your long reply. I do appreciate it. I would just like to say that I my opinion is based on the knowledge I have of the Germanic and Romance languages and it is of course very subjective. I fully understand that not everyone agrees with me and what I consider easy may be...

An adverb, not an adjective, must be used to modify an adjective. So why does the expression “the absolute best…” sound correct and “the absolutely best…” sound not just pedantic but wrong? My impression is the reverse. Is “the absolute (your superlative here)…” construction an established...

An adverb, not an adjective, must be used to modify an adjective. So why does the expression “the absolute best…” sound correct and “the absolutely best…” sound not just pedantic but wrong? Is “the absolute (your superlative here)…” construction an established idiom, or is it that this...

Hi Osee, First, "think" is just a verb, and would be a vobulary word. Idioms would be things like "think on your feet" or "fast thinker." If you already have an idea about something, you have already thought. I think it must be lunch time - my stomach is rumbling. If you say to someone "I...

Believe you me is a one-of-a-kind expression. Think of it as an idiom without trying to figure out the grammar. It's the only expression in English (as far as I know) that uses this structure. It means You can truly believe me. You should really believe me. I am telling you this in...

Hoey's extension: I would suggest that to know a word such as consequence is, at the very least, to know the answers to the following nine questions about the word: 1 What does consequence mean? (meaning) 2 How is consequence used grammatically? (grammar) 3 How is...

Nothing wrong with "used to" at all. It's standard in English all over the world. I can't imagine why you thought it was a Southern expression. CJ

Here is a link to the definition in the Cambridge Dictionary:blow the whistle one somebody/somethingI don't think all dictionaries will categorize this expression as "slang". I think calling it an "informal idiom" is much more appropriate.

Hi WAThe expression 'blow the whistle (on somebody/something)' is not slang. It's an idiom. It is somewhat informal, though, so I wouldn't use it in an extremely formal text.

Wow. I find these expressions very interesting.Now I have more choices to express my disagreement. However, I still have a question: Can I use these phrases in formal writing ( such as essays or tests of English?) Or they are just suitable in informal English?