How to Learn American English Idioms (Article 29)

This article is specifically for people who want to improve their English and learn how to use American English idioms in their daily conversations.

STEP 1: Learn the Basics of American English Idioms

When learning a new language, the first thing to do is learn the basics. To do this, take a look at the different types of American English idioms.

Idioms are words or expressions that modify or add meaning to a sentence. The word “idiom” comes from the Greek word idiomos meaning custom. Idioms usually come in pairs, like “a little bit of one thing and a lot of another.”

You’ll notice that some idioms have two parts (one part of the idiom) and some have three parts (two parts of the idiom). If you’ve ever used an idiom that has three parts, it may have seemed difficult to understand at first. This is because there’s a general rule in English called “principle of least effort.”

In other words, if you’re trying to understand something, it’s best to use the simplest form possible. This makes it easier to understand and remember.

STEP 2: Practice Using American English Idioms

The next step is to practice using these idioms in everyday conversations. I recommend writing down the idiom and then speaking it out loud, as if you were talking to a native speaker.

This will help you learn how to use the idiom, and it will also help you understand how to use it in a sentence. You can record yourself as well, so that you can listen to what you sound like while you’re speaking.

You should practice this every day until you feel comfortable using the idiom in real life.

STEP 3: Memorize American English Idioms

Once you’ve started to be comfortable with the idiom, you’ll want to memorize it. This is much easier if you practice the idiom on a daily basis. You can do this by writing it down and then reading it out loud.

Try to say it without pausing for a moment. Repeat this process until you are comfortable saying the idiom without pausing.

STEP 4: Use American English Idioms in Your Writing

This step will help you understand how to use the idiom in your writing. Start by rewriting the idiom in your own words.

Then rewrite the idiom again, this time using the exact same phrasing that you used when you were practicing.

You should notice a difference. This shows that you understand how to use the idiom in your writing.

STEP 5: Learn How to Use American English Idioms With Friends

Finally, you’ll want to practice using the idiom with your friends. You’ll find that once you start using these idioms, people will start to use them with you too.

It’s important to practice using these idioms with native speakers, but you should also practice using them with other native speakers.

You’ll notice that the more you use an idiom, the more people will start to use it with you.

STEP 6: Learn How to Use American English Idioms With Strangers

You’ll be surprised how many people have never heard of or used these idioms before. The next step is to use them with strangers.

There are two types of people who will respond differently to your use of these idioms.

People who are interested in learning more about American English idioms will use them to show that they’re familiar with the idiom and that they’re interested in what you have to say.

These are the people who are genuinely interested in improving their language skills.

People who are not interested in improving their language skills will use the idiom as a way to show that they don’t want to learn anything new.

This is a polite way to tell someone that you don’t want to waste their time.

STEP 7: Get Feedback on Your Idioms

The final step is to get feedback from others on your use of American English idioms. You can do this by posting the idiom on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Reddit.

Once you post it, you’ll see how many people use the idiom. If it’s a common idiom, it’s probably a good one to use in your writing.

If it’s a rare idiom, then you should avoid using it in your writing. It’s important to be careful about what you say when it comes to using idioms. Thanks for reading!