At the end of my rope.

[jagodarojek]

Hi everyone! I’m trying to improve my English by using idioms, but I often get confused about their meanings and contexts. For example, I know these idioms:

• “At the end of my rope”
• “Over the moon”
• “On cloud nine”

I understand they all relate to emotions, but I’m not sure:

• When is it natural to use each one?
• Can some of them be used in both spoken and written English?
• Are there subtle differences in intensity or formality?

Could you give me examples of how to use them correctly in sentences?
Thanks a lot!

 

[Skrej]

You might take a look at our list of idioms here - it has several hundred idioms with example sentences, including some of the ones you ask about.

Idioms can be used in both written and spoken English - register will determine appropriateness.

 

[jutfrank]

When is it natural to use each one?

My advice is that you study some authentic examples, in plenty of rich context.

Can some of them be used in both spoken and written English?

The simple answer is yes. However, there are many different kinds of spoken and written English, so such a simple question is not especially helpful. Very generally speaking, idioms are used in casual language, which tends largely to be spoken language.

Are there subtle differences in intensity or formality?

Two of the three idioms you listed are very similar, expressing a very positive feeling, and the other is totally different, expressing a very negative feeling. Get that basic difference in meaning clear first of all.

Could you give me examples of how to use them correctly in sentences?

I think it would be better if you find authentic speech examples in natural context, where you can hear the way the utterances in which these words are used are said. For that I suggest you might start here:

How to Pronounce English Naturally | YouGlish

Struggling with English pronunciation? YouGlish uses real people speaking real English to help you master tricky sounds. No more dictionary confusion!

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