Friends, have you heard the phrase called BINOMIALS. This phrase is used in both Mathematics and the English language .
In mathematics, a binomial is a polynomial with two terms separated by either addition or subtraction. A binomial is a type of algebraic expression that consists of two terms. These terms can be variables, constants, or a combination of both. Example X+2, 3X-5. Binomials can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided, following the rules of algebra. When multiplying two binomials, the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last) can be used to simplify the process.
Now coming to Binomials in English language.
A pair of words conventionally linked by conjunction (usually- and, or) or a preposition is called binomial.
When the word order of the pair is fixed, the binomial is said to be irreversible. While some binomials are irreversible, others can be reversed. The main difference between the two is the reversible binomials do not sound odd when the two words are reversed, while irreversible binomials sound awkward when the order is switched.
Types of Binomial Expressions
- Opposites (antonyms)- Opposite pair of wrds create several common English phrases, (e.g. hot and cold).
- Synonyms– Pair of words with the similar meaning make up other English phrases (e.g. peace and quiet).
- Rhyming or similar sounding words– Some binomial pairs used words that rhyme or sound similar (e.g. meet and greet).
- Repetition– There are pair of words that use the same word twice (e.g. again and again).
- Alliteration– Some expressions use words that start with the same letter(s), (e.g. tried and tested).
Here are some Binomial phrases
1 Aches and pains- slight feelings of pain that are not considered to be serious. E.g.- Apart from usual aches and pains, he felt all right.
2 Bits and pieces– small things or jobs of different types. E.g.- I just need to get a few bits and pieces at the market.
3 Blow hot and cold– to keep changing your attitude towards someone or something. E.g.-He has been blowing hot and cold about the trip to India.
4 Born and bred– used for saying where one was born and grew up. E.g.- Ramesh was born and bred in Kanpur, or he is Indian born and bred.
5 By and large– used for referring in a general way. E.g.- By and large I think the emphasis should be on the recruiting the right people.
6 Far and wide– from many places. E.g.-People came from far and wide to see parade.
7 Hard and fast– (especially after a negative) that can not be changed in any circumstances. E.g.- There are no hard and fast rules about this.
8 Here and there– in or to several places. E.g.-There were number of cottages scattered here and there across the hillside.
9 Hustle and bustle– a lot of noise and activity. E.g.-I love hustle and bustle of city life. I’d get bored in the countryside.
10 Ifs and/or buts– the reason why someone doesn’t want to do something, their objection. E.g.- I want no ifs and buts-just get on tidy your room now.
11 Ins and outs– the detailed or complicated facts or something. E.g- I know how to use computers, but I don’y really understand the ins and outs of how they work
12 In dribs and drabs– In small amounts, a few at a time. E.g.- The information has been released in dribs and drabs.
13 Make or break– something that is make-or-break will lead to either success or failure. E.g.- This could make-or-break speech for the minister.
14 Mix and Match– too combine things in different purposes. E.g.- You can mix and match courses to suit your requirement.
15 More or less– almost. E.g.- This team is more or less same as it was last season.
16 Odds and ends– a collection of small and unimportant things. E.g.- She spent the day sorting through a box full of odds and ends.
17 On and off/Off and on– from time to time, now and again. E.g.- It rained on and off all day.
18 Peace and quiet– used to describe a setting or period of time which is calm and without stress or distractions. E.g.- I need some peace and quiet to concentrate on this job application.
19 Pick and choose– to take only the things you want from a group. E.g.- You can’t pick and choose which rules you want to follow and which one you don’t.
20 Pros and cons– the advantages and disadvantages of something. E.g.- What are the pros and cons of capital punishment.
21 Safe and sound– not hurt or damaged. E.g.- Three days later, hikers were found safe and sound.
22 Short and sweet– not too long or complicated. E.g.- time is limited, so please keep your remarks short and sweet.
23 Touch and go– not certain and with a risk of death or serious failure. E.g.-It had been touch and go for him in the hospital, but he had eventually recovered.
24 Trial and error– a way of finding good method that involves trying several possibilities and learning from your mistakes. E.g.- I figured out how to use the new software by a process of trial and error.
25 Wear and tear– the damage that happens to an object in a ordinary use during a period. E.g.- Seat covers on buses take a lot of wear and tear.
There are many more binomial phrases, above given are few examples.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
1oth April 2025.