Have you noticed expressions like 'bread and butter', 'high and low' in English? These pairs of words linked by a conjunction (usually and) or a preposition are called binomials. Most of these pairs are irreversible which means that it would sound strange to say for example 'low and high' (i.e. the order of words is fixed).
There are similar expressions consisting of three words, called trinomials: beg, borrow and steal; sex, drugs and rock 'n roll; blood, sweat and tears; could've, would've, should've; here, there and everywhere.
Examples of irreversible pairs:
aches and pains
again and again
alive and well
all in all
back to front
bigger and better
bits and pieces
black and white
bread and butter
by and large
cease and desist
checks and balances
dead or alive
dos and don'ts
fair and square
fun and games
goods and services
give or take
ham and eggs
high and low
high and dry
hot and cold
hugs and kisses
knife and fork
life and death
loud and clear
little by little
meat and greet
mix and match
more or less
now and then
neat and tidy
now or never
nuts and bolts
odds and ends
old and grey
on and off
out and about
peace and quiet
pins and needles
plain and simple
pots and pans
pros and cons
rags to riches
rise and fall
rise and shine
rock 'n roll
safe and sound
sick and tired
sooner or later
step by step
take it or leave it
ups and downs
wear and tear
wine and dine
Complete each sentence with the correct binomial:
1. The manager told us to finish the project tonight, _______ or later, so we’re all
staying late.
2. He searched the house _______ and low, but couldn’t find his keys anywhere.
3. They’re trying to figure out the truth, whether it’s black or _______.
4. No matter the weather, they went hiking every weekend, rain or _______.
5. They promised to support each other through _______ and thin.
6. After hours of debate, they finally reached a decision that was fair and _______.
7. The twins argue all the time, but they’re still close friends, like _______ and yang.
8. There’s no easy way to finish this. You’ll just have to go at it _______ and steady.
9. He wanted to get everything right, so he reviewed the document _______ and
forth.
10. She wasn’t sure if it was safe, but decided to give it a try, _______ or wrong.
Correct the Binomials
1. After a long discussion, they finally reached a decision that was square and fair.
2. He searched low and high for his missing wallet but couldn’t find it.
3. The two friends have been together through thick and hard times.
4. We’ll get this project done, early or late, no matter what.
5. She was exhausted, sick and boring of hearing the same complaint over and
over.
6. They promised to meet up, rain or storm.
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