9. 2 Classification of idioms

According to grammatical function, idioms can bedivided into 5 types:

1) Idioms nominal in nature名词性习语

They function as nouns in a sentence:

White elephant; brain trust; Jack of all trades

2) Idioms adjectival in nature形容词性习语

They function as adjectives in a sentence.E.g.:

cut and dried; wide of the mark; up in the air

3) Idioms verbal in nature 动词性习语

They function as verbs in a sentence.Ｅ.g.:

put down to; turn on; get awaywith

4) Idioms adverbial in nature 副词性习语

They function as adverbials in a sentence. E.g.:

tooth and nail 竭尽全力; in nothing flat 不久; through thick and thin 不顾艰难险阻

5) Sentence idioms 句子式习语

Such idioms are usually in complete sententialform. They are usually proverbs or sayings.E.g.:

Never do things by halves.

All is not gold that glitters.