Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R.

Costales, PhD

APPENDIX

IDIOMS AND USAGES OF SPECIAL DIFFICULTY TO FILIPINO STUDENTS 1

A angry with someone

was absent Ken is angry with Janette.
He was absent twice.
(not “made two absences”) apologize to her for. . .
She is absent from class. You‟d better apologize to your aunt.
(not “absent in”) He should apologize for breaking his promise. (not
“ask an apology” or “ask an excuse”)
absorbed in the story
Dr. dela Cruz was absorbed in the story. APOLOGIZED TO; ASKED HIS PARDON

absorbed by cotton I apologized to her

Water is absorbed by cotton. For all that I had done;
She then asked my pardon,
accompany someone to So we again are one.
The boys accompanied her to church.
(Never say “ask an apology.”)
accompany the singer on the piano
will appreciate it if you. . . .
This is in accordance with the rules. We will appreciate it if you can help us. (not “will
(not “accordance to” appreciate if”)

according to appreciate your kindness

According to the book, that is true. (omit “it says”) She appreciates the gift.
In my own opinion, this is so. (not “According to my We appreciate a kind action.
opinion”) (not “We appreciate you.”)

accuse someone of as far as the bridge

Annabelle has been accused of slander. We walked as far as the bridge.
They accused him of economic sabotage. (not “until the bridge”)

accustomed to hard work ashamed of myself

Dr. Francisco is accustomed to hard work. I am ashamed of myself; forgive me.
They were ashamed of having cheated.
acquainted with
Rachelle is acquainted with us. ashamed to face you
Eric is ashamed to face you after his rudeness.
advocates something (not “ashamed to you”)
President P-Noy advocates reforms.
(not “for reforms”) assure someone of
Ian assured me of his willingness to help.
Antonette is afraid of being bitten.
attend to one‟s duties
The barrio folks were afraid to tell the truth. Pay attention to your work.

angry about something saw my aunt

The employees were angry about the new policy. I saw my aunt.
She is his aunt. (not “auntie”)

1
From A Modern Approach to English: Our Link to the World by Jean Edades, Ruth Mack, and Santiago
Alcantara, Royal Publishing House, Inc., Quezon City, Philippines, 1964

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Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R. Costales, PhD

of no avail entire building was destroyed by fire.

The efforts were of no avail.
bus, train (not “trip”)
to avail oneself of I want to catch the last bus (plane, train). (not “trip”)
Avail yourself of the scholarship program. Last bus means bus making the last trip.
(not “avail of”)
His efforts availed him nothing. C
call for a friend and take her to a movie (not “drop for”)
B
in bed call on a pupil
He lay in bed. Miss Tagabi called on Romel.
(not “called Romel to recite”.
on the bed
He lay on his (the) bed. (not “on bed”) In bed means call someone up (on the telephone)
between sheets or blankets. On one’s bed means lying I called her up yesterday morning.
on the coverlet – not inside.2
on the campus
has been to market We are on the campus. (not “in the campus”)
He has been to church. I saw them on the campus.
He has just come from church.
(not “been from”) is capable of doing
She is capable of managing the school.
begin on, at, with
The lesson begins on (at, with) page 3. (not” from) catch a train
Leo ran so as to catch the bus.
begin reading on page 16 Beth caught the early train but Kenneth missed it.

behind me catch up with the class

I heard a noise behind me. Late-comers must study hard to catch up with the
(not “at my back”) class.
Seeing her far ahead, he ran fast and caught up with
I believe your statement, but I don‟t believe in ghosts. her.

borrow a peso from (of) Mark charge with

Paul borrowed one million pesos from Peter. He was charged with plunder.
The policemen charged them with robbery.
want to bowl
We want to bowl. have a child by
She wants to go bowling. She has a son by her first husband.
(not “play bowling”)
clarify the point
Jane boxed Ben’s ears. She boxed him on the ear. Please clarify this passage.
(Box is transitive only when ears is included. Never Will you enlighten me on this matter?
say “John boxed Peter.”)
John hit Peter. The two boys boxed. collide with
A bus collided with a truck.
fire broke out The two vehicles collided.
Fire (A war) broke out. (not „broke”)
compared with (to)
is broken
This camera is broken. (not “destroyed”) but: The

2
From English for Filipinos by Jose M. Hernandez and Jean Edades, Hernandez & Edades., Manila,
Philippines, 1953

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Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R. Costales, PhD

A STUDY IN CONTRASTS consent to do a thing

She consented to let me go.
Don‟t compare her with him, (not “consented me”)
For the contrast is grim; She consented to my going.
She has faults, but I‟m sure She permitted me to go.
you‟ll agree
She‟s a saint without taint contented with his job
And has noble restraint I am contented with my work.
When compared to such devils as he.
converse with
Compare with is used when a number of similarities He conversed with her.
are found; compare to is used when the contrast But: They conversed. (not “. . .with each other”)
predominates. Do not leave off the d from compared.
conversant with
comply with the rules She is conversant with economics.
The students should always comply with the policies
of the school. convict of
Renato Corona was convicted by the Senate
is composed of impeachment court of betrayal of public trust.
The book is composed of essays.
(not “composes of”) in the corner of a room
Essays compose the book. Put the bag in the corner.

A VERSIDIOM on a street corner

The suspect stood on the street corner.
Constitute; Is Composed of We saw him on the corner. (Street corner is meant.)

A teacher, a student, a log A member of the crew drowned. (not “a crew”)

constitute a college, I‟m told.
But a class is composed Cross out the sentence.
of a group of be-dozed (not “cross the sentence”)
And benighted ones, set in one
mold. Cross your t‟s

(Constitute never uses of after it, nor is, am, D

are before it; however, is composed of is correct.)
damaged
The book comprises 230 pages. The car was damaged.
(not “comprises of”) (not “destroyed”)

concentrate on the lesson dance hall (not “dancing hall”)

concern
The essay concerns smoking. deal in hardware (to sell)
This rule concerns you.
(not “concerns about”) deal with a subject (to be about)
But: I am concerned (worried) about your health. The essay deals with politics. (not “deals on”)

confide in deal with a person (to treat)

The lovesick lady confided in her maid. Deal gently with culprit.
She confided her problems to her chum.
was delivered of
in connection with She was delivered of a baby girl.
He spoke in connection with the impeachment trial. (not “She delivered”)
(not “in connection to”) She had a baby girl.
They demanded better treatment.
(not “demanded for”)

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Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R. Costales, PhD

depend on (upon) E
A baby depends on (upon) his parents for survival. to eat lunch
He is eating lunch. (not “taking”)
devote time to practicing English When do you eat breakfast?
(not “take”)
differ from
Keneth differs from Beth. either side
No parking, either side.
They differ in tastes. (not “both sides”)
You may park on either side.
differ with (means disagree with)
The defense counsels differed with each other in to be embarrassed
defense strategies. She was embarrassed when her dress tore.
(not “ashamed”)
in a direction
The burglar ran in that direction. put emphasis on an idea
(not “to that direction”)
Did you enjoy yourself? Yes, we enjoyed the program.
from a direction He enjoyed himself at the party.
They came from this direction. (not “He enjoyed” or “He enjoyed at the party.”)

disappointed in even if it rains

I am disappointed in you (in his composition). Please come even if it rains.
(not “with”) (not “even it rains”)

discourage someone from smoking She is expecting a baby.

(not “conceiving”)
discriminate against
Don‟t discriminate against women and children. F
familiar with dynamos
Let‟s discuss this matter.
He is familiar with engines.
(not “discuss about”)
familiar to
Serve dishes (not “recipes”)
This route is familiar to me.
She served my favorite dishes.
He enjoys these dishes. (not “recipes”)
ask a favor of someone
May I ask a favor of you?
dispose of (not “off”)
Will you do me a favor?
Please dispose of the garbage properly.
He did me a favor.
dress quickly (not “dress up”)
was fired
He always dresses well.
He was fired yesterday.
The boys were fired from their jobs.
dress up
(omit “out”)
She dressed up for the party.
(put on fancy clothes.)
were fixed on the bird
Valerie, why are all dressed up?
All eyes were fixed on him. (but) The lamp is fixed
to the desk. (fastened)
Drop by and I will give you the book.
to be fond of dancing (not “fun of”) It‟s fun to crack
drop in jokes with your friends.
Jenny often drops in for a visit.
(not “drops for”) May I drop in on you today?
forbid him to watch

forgot to bring (see left)

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Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R. Costales, PhD

I forgot to bring my cell phone. (not “was not able to”) go on a hike, on a trip, on an excursion, on a picnic,
on an errand
a framed picture
There are three framed pictures on the wall. (not go to bed late
“frames”) I went to bed late. (not “slept late”)

we are free go up a ladder

We are free from five to six. He went up the steps, the hill, the stairs. (but) He
When are you free? (not “vacant”) went up on the stage. He went into the house.
I have a vacant (or free) period at ten o‟clock.
graduate from a school
G They graduated from Isabela State University-
get a ball pen Ilagan Campus.
Just a minute. I‟ll get a ball pen. (not “take”)
have a grudge against
give emphasis to an idea Romeo has a grudge against Louie.

get off a bus, jeepney H

They got off the plane (bus, train).
(not “went down”)
get on a bus, train
Jamaica Mae got on a bus. (not “went up”)
She got in (out of) a taxi (or car).
have a banana
Have (Take) some peanuts. (not “get some”) But:
I‟ll go to the kitchen and get more fruit.
in good health
She is in good health. (not “condition”)
The car is in good condition.

get ready hold the line

They got ready. (not “prepared all the necessary Please, hold the line. (not “your line”)
things”)
is at home
get up early Valerie is at home now.
We must get up early.
He gets up at five every morning. (not “wakes up”) go home
Mae woke up for a minute and then went back to Let‟s go home. (not “at home”)
sleep.
come to my house (not “come at home”)
WAKES UP; GET UP
Housework is tiresome.
He wakes up, he sits up, he gets up; Tony did all the housework. (not “household work”)
He‟s eager to greet the new day.
His sister wakes up but turns over hunt for a lost ring
And dreams the bright morning away. She still hunts for her lost ring.

(Wakes up does not mean gets up. One may wake up but hunt deer, wild pigs
too lazy or sleepy to get up) The boys hunt deer in the woods.

give birth to a child I

She gave birth to a son.
was impressed by
She was impressed by his good looks.
She bore a son.
She had a baby.
make an impression on
The speaker made a good impression on the
go in a house
audience.
He went in (entered) the house.
Let‟s go in (enter). (not “go up the house”)

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Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R. Costales, PhD

She made a deep impression on me; to look someone up

Her food pleased me more than
her look;
She always impressed me with
marvelous meals –
I think I shall marry her cook.
When Kenneth passed through Kalinga, she looked
up her old professor.
to look to someone for
They look to the guidance counselor for advice.

Use make an impression upon, impressed me with. to look up to a person

Marry is never followed by with. Every student looks up to the executive officer.
(They admire him.)
inquire of
They inquired the way of an old man. I am looking for a trash can.
(not “finding for”)
an insane person
Have you seen an insane woman? feel love for someone
Her love for him is waning.
is insane
He is insane. M
insisted on major in
She insisted on my coming to her party. I majored in language education.
(not “majored language education”)
interested in
I am interested in buying cars. He married her. (not “married with her”)

invited to is married to a charming lady

We were invited to her birthday party. Isabelle is married to Voltaire.
J
jealous of someone strike a match
She is jealous of him. Here is a match. (not “match stick”)

K the mate of her shoe

keep someone company Where is the mate of (or to) this earring? (not “the
Since you have to wait here, I‟ll keep you company. pair”)
(not “accompany you”)
HE‟LL DO IT AN HOUR
L
He‟ll repair this shoe in an hour;
on his lap
It‟s much more worn than its mate.
The computer is on her lap. (not “laps”)
I‟ll reward him by picking a flower;
And conversing with him at the gate.
Vanessa came late to class.
Say he will do it in an hour (not “for an hour”). Say
He was late in finishing.
its mate (not “its pair”). We pick a flower but pick up a
fallen object. You converse with someone.
leave a house
Rupert left his dormitory (the stage). (not “went
I mean that. . .
down”)
She means that you are late. (not “means to say”)
I left it at home. (not “forgot it at home”) I forgot it. I
meditate on the sermon
forgot to bring it.
I meditated on her advice.
to look for something
Did you mention three reasons?
She looked for him.
(not “mentioned about”)
She tried to find him. (not “tried to look for”)

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Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R. Costales, PhD

in the middle pay a debt, a sum, a person

Herman sat in the middle of the row. (not “on”) He paid his debt. We paid the bill.
She paid the bursar what she owed.
Wait a moment.
Just a moment and I will be ready. (not “for a pay for a thing
moment”) She paid too much for the wristwatch.
How much did you pay (or spend for it) for it?
the moral of the story (not “did you buy it”)
The epic teaches a moral. (not “moral lesson”)
HER HUSBAND MUST PAY THE BILL
She moves too much. (not “is very movable”)
Small children are often restless. “Who‟ll pay for all this?
They take away every movable object. I can‟t pay the bill.
I have no money to pay.”
N
“Mr. Ramiro gave me credit;
no matter how
Very kindly he said it.
Jessica will attend no matter how busy she is.
You can pay him on any fine day.”
(not “even how”)

O
on any occasion We pay for what we buy, pay our bills, pay money to a
I won a prize on that occasion. salesman, and pay a creditor or salesman.

one of the boys pick (how to use it)

He was one of the students. Valerie went into the garden and picked a flower. The
( A plural noun is placed after one of the; never “of teacher picked a student to compete in the poster making
the boy”) contest. (but say: He picked up her notebook from the
floor. They picked out the largest mangoes.)
operate on a patient
The doctors operated on Erap successfully. plunge into the sea, etc.
When shall GMA be operated on? Manilyn plunged into student life enthusiastically.

operate a machine popular with

Leo operates the photocopier. Jamaica Mae is popular with all students.

He ordered soup. (not “for soup”) prefer to walk rather than to ride
Ronald John prefers to sleep rather than to eat.
originate in
Paper originated in Egypt. (not “from”) Most people prefer sun to rain.

out of order I prefer walking to riding.

The engine is out of order. (not “dead”)
owe something to
She owes money to everyone here.
P Engineer Simon presided over the meeting. (not
pants, trousers
She needs some new pants. (not “a pant”)
These pants are P750.00 a pair.
pay back
Romeo paid back the one thousand peso I lent him.
He paid back the sum he had borrowed.
have a prejudice against
He has a prejudice against gays and lesbians.
preside over
“presided the meeting”)
prevent one from coming
The strong rain prevented us from attending the
party. (not “prevented us to attend”)
The policemen prohibited them from entering the
building. (not “prohibit them to enter”)

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Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R. Costales, PhD

provide food for in return for

They worked a week in return for the money.
Lolita provided a meal for the visitors.
Chairs were provided for the visitors. ride on a bus
She often rides on a bus, jeepney, train, plane, ship.
put away the dishes
We put our things away. He put away his papers. ride in a car
He rode in his own car, in a taxi.
We will put on a play. (not “put up”).
the inner room
put on your shirt She got a pillow from the inner room or bedroom.
Jaya put on her clothes and went to school. (not “the room”)
(not “wore”)
She put on her new shoes and wore them all day. was run over by a car
The child was run over. (not “overrun”) But: The
Q building was overrun by rats.
quarter past six
It is quarter past six. (not “six quarter”) S
sail on the sea
R The fishermen sailed on the river (lake, ocean).
But: Leo swam in the river (lake, ocean).
reason with someone
You can‟t reason with her now. She is too excited.
make a scratch copy
This is only a scratch copy of your theme.
recover from
(not “a scratch”)
Ely has just recovered from the flu.
in search of a thing
refrain from
Romeo is in search of a particular English book.
P-Noy should refrain from smoking.
He searched for flashlight.
He agrees with regard to the matter.
He agrees as regards the matter.
The police searched the building. . .the prisoner.
He agrees regarding the matter.
He agrees in regard to the matter.
The usherettes will seat the visitors.
These four expressions all mean the same.
Valerie seated herself near the door. (not “sitted”)
is related to
We seek advice. (not “seek for”)
Romel is related to Rowena.
She is no relation to Emma.
This coat sheds rain. (not “sheds off”)
replace one thing with another
my shoes
Richard replaced the worn-out screw with a new one.
I lost my shoes. (not “pair of shoes”)
She bought some shoes (or a pair of shoes).
He requests consideration. (not “requests for”)
too shy to answer
He is responsible to his employer.
He is too shy to (too timid to) volunteer.
(not “ashamed to”)
I am responsible for my job.
spend money on
The Comelec restrained Erap from filing his
She spends too much on (for) fancy clothes.
candidacy.
He spent a lot of money on his children.
result in
spend time in
His hard work resulted in a promotion.
We spend an hour in reviewing.

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Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R. Costales, PhD

spend time on The child was taken care of.

He spent too little time on his essay. (not “taken cared of”)

stay up late take off one‟s clothes

Ely stayed up late and studied. He took off his shirt. (“removed” is unidiomatic)
He is sleepy because he stayed up late last night.
(not “slept late) have a taste for
Sarah has a taste for literature.
stay with someone
Mother is at home alone; please stay with her. have good taste in
(not “accompany her”) Irish has good taste in clothes.

a stick, a stone tears roll down

Give me a stick. She picked up a stone. Mae‟s tears rolled down her cheeks.
(omit “piece of “) (not “on her cheeks”).

subject is are on good terms

The subject is politics. She and her younger sister are on good terms.

Your subject (topic) is human rights. There are five of us in the family. (not “We are five”)
(not “subject is about”)
thresh out the question
My essay is about Philippine economy. They threshed out the question.
We must thresh the matter out.
subscribe money for a cause (promise to give)
They subscribe P100, 000 for the rehabilitation of at the top of one’s voice
typhoon victims. The teacher spoke at the top of her voice.
(not “on top of”)
subscribe to a newspaper, a belief
I subscribe to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. is topsy-turvy
The room is topsy-turvy.
He subscribes to Karl Marx‟ communistic principle. (not “in topsy-turvy order”)

substitute a new thing for an old one my townsman

David substituted a new screw for the worn-out one.
(He replaced the worn-out screw with a new one.)
succeed in doing something
I succeeded in writing a workbook in
communication arts.
Ciriaco is my townsman. He is from my town. Maria
is his fellow townsman. They are townsmen.
(not “townmates”)
turn around
Donald turned around suddenly.

He suffered for his careless driving. turn on the light

She turned on the radio. He switched on the light.
Mom suffers from a cold. (not “opened”) He turned off the light.
(not “killed” or “closed”)
superior to
Whisky is superior to brandy. Please turn to page 17.

T throw away trash

at the table, down to the table It‟s useless, throw it away.
They are at the table (eating a meal). Throw away the garbage. (not “throw it”)
He sat down to the table and began to eat. (not “on
the table”) throw a ball to
Throw the ball to me and I‟ll catch it.
take (took) care of
Vanessa took care of the baby.

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Worktext in Communication Arts and Skills Romel R. Costales, PhD

throw a stone at
Don‟t ever throw stones at anyone.
Don‟t throw anything at the dog.

U
to urge
I urged Dianne to stay but she wouldn‟t. (not “was
convincing”) I tried to convince (persuade) her to
stay, but she wouldn‟t.

V
is of value
The earring is of value.

has value for

The bag has value for my grandmother.

W
Valerie wants to buy a book. (not “likes”)
She likes reading (or) to read.

the way to do it
This is the way to fix it.
This is how to do it. (not “way how”)

wear clothing
She put on her red dress and wore it several hours.
(not “used it”)

his wife
He brought his wife. (not “his Mrs.”)
Good morning, Mrs. Costales. (not „Good morning,
Mrs.”)

They won the prize.

(not “copped.” “Copped” is slang. Avoid it.)

to worry about a problem

Don‟t worry about your subject requirements.

They would like (or want) to meet you. (not “like”)

wrong side out

Your shirt is wrong side out. (not “inverted”)

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