7. Phraseological units. Characteristic features & principles of classification.

Phraseology is branch of lexicology which studies word combinations or phrases.

Idiom (phraseological unit) – sequence of words which is semantically and often syntactically restricted so that it functions as a single unit. The meaning of the individual words can not be combined to produce the meaning of an idiom as a whole. Phraseological units function as various parts of sentence. Important features of phraseological units are semantic inseparability, functional grammatical unity and idiomatic meaning.

V. Vinogradov distinguishes three types of phraseological units:1) phraseological fusions or idioms represent the highest stage of blending together. The meaning of components is completely absorbed by the meaning of the whole, by its expressiveness and emotional properties. e.g. to rain cats and dogs- to rain very heavily

2) phraseological unities are more numerous. They are clearly motivated. The emotional quality is based on the image created by the whole as in to stick to one’s guns – to refuse to change one’s opinion in the face of opposition. 3) phraseological combinations are not only motivated but contain one component used in its direct meaning while the other is used figuratively. For example: to meet the demands, to meet expenses, to meet criticism, to meet emergencies пробігти очима, насупити брови .