Set phrases

[Marserena]

What's the difference between a set phrase and an idiomatic expression? Could you set an example of each?

[fiona bramble]

Originally Posted by Marserena

What's the difference between a set phrase and an idiomatic expression? Could you set an example of each?

Hi there
I assume by "set phrases" you mean what I usually call "collocations", that is, words that are commonly used together (and which can vary wildy depending on region and/or dialect). They can be verb-noun combinations, adjective-noun combinations, preposition-noun combinations or virtually anything really. Google some English collocation sites for practice! Some examples:
take a bath
make a promise
decisive action
innocent bystander

Idioms are different in the sense that they usually have both a "literal" meaning and an "idiomatic" one. Idioms do vary regionally as well but rather than one word being different in the phrase, usually a completely different idiom is used or is not used at all. Many phrasal verbs are idiomatic as well. Example:
He picked me up
literal meaning: He lifted me off the ground
other (idiomatic)meaning: He asked me out on a date
other (idiomatic) meaning: He gave me a ride in his car

Hope that helps!
Fiona

[Marserena]

Thank you Fiona. Nice name!
Now I understand the difference but I find it difficult to think that 'collocations' are a sort of synonym of 'set phrases'. I wasn't sure about that.

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