Book

NTC's American Idioms Dictionary

📖 Overview

NTC's American Idioms Dictionary contains over 8,000 contemporary American English idioms, arranged alphabetically with clear definitions and sample sentences. Each entry includes information about usage level and regional variations where applicable. The dictionary serves as a reference guide for native English speakers and language learners, with pronunciation guides and grammatical notes for complex expressions. Multiple meaning variations are listed for idioms that can be used in different contexts. Cross-references throughout the text help users find related expressions and understand the connections between similar idioms. The inclusion of both formal and informal language reflects the full spectrum of American English usage in real-world situations. This comprehensive work captures the living nature of American English, documenting how idiomatic expressions evolve and maintain their place in daily communication.

👀 Reviews

Readers value this dictionary as a reference for English learners and teachers. Many report it helps explain idioms that aren't covered in standard dictionaries. Likes: - Clear example sentences showing idiom usage - Categories and cross-references make finding related phrases easy - Updated editions include current slang - Includes pronunciation guides Dislikes: - Some entries lack sufficient context - Print is small and dense - Many common idioms are missing - Some examples feel outdated - Index could be more comprehensive Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (219 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (47 ratings) Reader quotes: "The examples make it easy to understand how these phrases are actually used" - Amazon reviewer "Missing many idioms I hear daily in American English" - Goodreads user "Perfect for ESL students but needs more modern expressions" - Amazon reviewer "Good resource but organization could be better" - Goodreads user

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Cambridge Idioms Dictionary by Cambridge University Press This reference work presents idioms with their meanings, usage notes, and examples from both British and American English.

Dictionary of American Regional English by Frederic G. Cassidy This five-volume collection documents words, phrases, and pronunciations that vary across different regions of the United States.

A Dictionary of American Idioms by Adam Makkai The book explains 8,000 American idiomatic expressions with their meanings and presents them in sample sentences that demonstrate proper usage.

🤔 Interesting facts

📚 Richard Spears compiled over 8,000 American idioms in this comprehensive dictionary, making it one of the largest collections of its kind when published. 🎓 The author holds a Ph.D. in linguistics and has written more than 150 dictionaries and reference books throughout his career. 💬 Many entries in the dictionary include both literal and figurative meanings, helping non-native English speakers understand the context and usage of complex expressions. 🌎 The dictionary is widely used in ESL (English as a Second Language) programs across the globe and has been translated into several languages. 📖 The book categorizes idioms by theme and includes cross-references, making it easier for readers to find related expressions and understand how American idioms evolved from different cultural influences.