According to their Grammar Structure

Set expressions functioning in speech are equivalents to definite classes of words. Therefore we can distinguish set expressions that are:

Ÿ nominal phrases: the root of the trouble;

Ÿ verbal phrases: to take to smb., to take the bull by the horns;

Ÿ adjectival phrases: as good as gold;

Ÿ adverbial phrases: from head to heels;

Ÿ prepositional phrases: in the course of;

Ÿ conjunctional phrases: as long as, as bad as;

Ÿ interjectional phrases: well, I never!

This classification takes into consideration not only the component parts, but also functioning of the whole. Thus “tooth and nail” is not a nominal but an adverbial unit because it serves to modify the verb (to fight tooth and nail).

Within each of these classes a further subdivision is necessary:

1. Set expressions functioning like nounspresent the following models:

N + Nmaiden name

brains trust – a committee of experts

N’s + N barber’s cat – трепач

Hobston’s choice – when there is no choice at all

(Th. Hobston, 17-th c., London owner of stables, made every person hire a horse, take the next in order)

Ns’ + N ladies’ man – дамский угодник

N + prp + N the arm of the law – сила закона

N + and + N lord and master (husband)

rank and file

A + N green room (general reception room of a theatre)

high tea

2. Set expressions functioning like verbs:

V + N o take an advantage

V + postpreposition to give up

V + and + V to pick and choose

V + (one’s) + N + prep. to snap one’s fingers at

V + one + N to give one the bird

3. Set expressions functioning like adverbs:

N + N tooth and nail

Prep. + N by heart, of course

Adv. + Prep. + N once in a blue moon

Prep. + N + or + N by book or by crook

Conj. + clause before one can say Jack Robinson

4. Set expressions functioning like prepositions:

Prep. + N + Prep. in consequence of

by reason of

on account of

5. Set expressions functioning like interjections:

Bless my soul! God bless me! Hang it all!

The Semantic Classification

It was suggested by acad. Vinogradov who dealt with Russian phraseology.

A detailed functional and semantic classification is developed by A.V. Koonin in his doctoral thesis. The main classes are based on the function the unit fulfils in speech. A.V. Koonin subdivides phraseological units into subclasses depending on whether the units are changeable or unchangeable and on the independence between the meaning of the elements taken separately and the meaning of the set expression.

Koonin suggests that phraseology must develop as an independent linguistic silence and not as a part of lexicology.

Proverbs and Sayings as Specific Types

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