Customer Reviews

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Standard dictionaries are great for understanding words, but not for comprehending the perplexing kind of phrase known as the idiom. This specialized dictionary provides a generous list of American idioms in an accessible format, but sacrifices phrase origins and portability in the process.

The dictionary's comprehensive nature suits students of English as a second language, as well as communications professionals. With over 24,000 entries, it offers over twice the number of listings in the popular "American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms" and four times the number of listings in the "Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms" and the "Oxford Dictionary of Idioms." ESL students can understand the language better and communicate more effectively. Writers and editors are more likely to be able to track down needed phrases.

It's easy to use, too. Phrases are listed alphabetically by the first keyword, allowing the reader to look up the phrase by its familiar form. An explanation follows, and usage examples are provided for each entry to enhance understanding. If the exact phrase is not known, the handy index provides phrases grouped by an alphabetical listing of keywords.

Unfortunately, phrase origins are mostly lacking, apparently by design. The editor's explanation for this is that reliable linguistic evidence for the origin of idioms is rare. The few origins that are offered are thoughtfully placed and seem to be well-researched, however.

This hefty, textbook-size dictionary may be a drawback for those looking for a handy reference. Shorter idiom dictionaries have the advantage here.

This idiom dictionary best serves ESL students and communications professionals needing a reliable reference to confirm the spelling, form and meaning of American English idioms. The pages are printed on heavier, acid-free paper, so the book should hold up well. Those intersted in phrase origins or a more convenient book size should consider other idiom dictionaries.

This book is one of the most comprehensive I've ever seen when it comes to Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. It gives not only the explanation about the listed terms, but also includes usage examples. At the end of the book, there is a reference index which helps to find any expression contained in there. If you know at least one word from the phrase you are looking for, then you may find it listed and then you just go to the proper page for the necessary details. If you are a language learner or simply a language lover, it is a book that you should have on your shelf.

Petite enough to fit in purse or pocket, it gives more than 3,000 American-English idioms with their meanings. "Cold as Ice" and many other American idioms are composed of simple words. A cool reference guide for ESL students, foreign travelers in the US, and anybody else. They are listed alphabetically, ID'd according to their part of speech, and categorized as formal, informal, slang, or literary. Every expression is defined and supplemented with an illustrative sentence.

As Brazilian is hard to express myself in english sometimes, so this book is helping me how to use and to understand american idioms and phrasal verbs. I recommend!

I'm a Foreign Languages teacher and I really need to improve my English with Idioms and Phrasal verbs every day...this dictionary helps me a lot because it has not just words but sentences and their respective explanation for what it means plus an example so you can clarify any doubts you have...I like it!

I'm an E.S.L. tutor in Canada. I coach clients on cultural aspects. This book is a valuable reference for my clients on idiom. With it, they still need the english language practice as well. But this provides an independent reference that they can check language usage when I'm not around.

Not enough being so complete with more than 24.000 entries, the phrasal verbs and idioms are very well organized. Information is also precise and well presented, with plenty of real usage examples. The Phrase Finder, at the end, is very useful for a more complete and objective search. The printing, the paper and the cover are very good also, making this book a good choice for people willing to expand vocabulary and comprehension of contemporary American English.

If you are new to the English language, this book is perfect for you. Most of the idioms are basic and used in everyday speech in the U.S., but because there are so many basic ones, it is hard to find the funny and unusual idioms (if that is what you are looking for). I am still giving the book five stars because I think they did a great job putting together a comprehensive Idiom Guide.

Todd Hagopian
President/CEO
Hagopian Institute
Author of the popular "Quote Junkie" book sereies and the brand new "Idiom Junkie" series

Table of contents IS NOT interactive. You must page through hundreds of pages to find anything.

American English if full of phrasal verbs, preposition verbs, and phrasal-prepositional verbs that can drive non-English speakers crazy. The price of this book, as advertised (about $14), if worth the investment for the wealth of information you get about american idioms and phrases. However, you do not learn the language by sitting on, or putting the book under your pillow. You have to use it! Nothing replaces active reading, writting, and speaking the language.
The text has two sections: the dictionary, and the phrase-Finder Index. These two and the earnerst desire to communicate in English will take you far.

Kuddos to Richard for putting such a wonderful publication for the benefit of many.

PS: English is my second language.