FORMULAIC PHRASES

     The word order of idioms does not normally change but that some parts such as the pronouns and tenses can change. These are called semi-fixed phrases because some parts change depending on the content they are used in. In a fixed phrase, on the other hand, none of the parts ever changes. For example, How do you do? and That's that! are fixed phrases. There are a large number of fixed and semi-fixed phrases in English and many of them have a literal rather than a figurative meaning. Fixed and semi-fixed phrases are sometimes called formulaic phrases because they follow set patterns of form. Formulaic phrases and collocations are also sometimes called chunks.

Exercise 

Which of the underlined formulaic phrases below are fixed and which are semi-fixed?

1. See you soon! 

2. You can't be serious!

3. To whom it may concern. 

4. Would you like some fish and chips?

5. That's not the best way of doing it, if you ask me.

6. You'd better leave before you miss your train. 

Answers 

1. Fixed 

2. Semi-fixed: e.g. She can't be serious!

3. Fixed. It is used in the register of formal letters, when you don't know the name or position of the person to whom you are writing. 

4. Semi-fixed: e.g. would he like. 

    Fixed: you cannot say chips and fish.

5. Fixed 

6. Semi-fixed: e.g. she'd better...They'd better. 

     Many formulaic phrases have a social function (something which creates or manages relationships) or are used in discourse (spoken or written language in longer texts). For example, Have a nice day (a fixed phrase) is used as a friendly ending to a conversation and if you ask me (a fixed phrase) is used to show that what you have said or are going to say is your opinion. 

     As with idioms, it is usually better to look at the meaning of the whole formulaic phrase rather than break it into smaller pieces. Many formulaic phrases will be listed in a good dictionary and you need to decide which is the key word and then look for this in the dictionary. For example, How do you do? is listed under the key word how.😊