What is the Difference Between Phrasal Verbs and Idioms?

The main difference between phrasal verbs and idioms lies in their structure and meaning.

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb with an adverb or a preposition, resulting in a new meaning that is different from the individual meanings of the constituent parts. They are typically used in informal contexts and spoken language. For example, "hold on" (hold + on) and "zoom in" (zoom + in) are phrasal verbs with specific meanings that cannot be derived from the individual verbs "hold" and "zoom".

Idioms are groups of words in a specific order that form an expression whose meaning is different from the usual meanings of its constituent parts/words. They often convey a figurative or implicit meaning, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Examples of idioms include "spill the beans" (reveal a secret), "it takes two to tango" (both parties are responsible for a situation), and "hit the sack" (go to bed).

In summary, phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and adverbs or prepositions, while idioms are expressions with specific structures and figurative meanings. Phrasal verbs are more commonly used in spoken language and informal contexts, whereas idioms can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Comparative Table: Phrasal Verbs vs Idioms

Here is a table comparing the differences between phrasal verbs and idioms:

Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions comprised of a verb followed by an adverb or preposition, and their meaning is derived from the combination of the verb and the preposition or adverb. On the other hand, idioms are expressions with a specific meaning that is usually different from the literal meaning of the words that make them up.