A Dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations | Yuri Dolgopolov

Covering over 10,000 idioms and collocations characterized by similarity in their wording or metaphorical idea which do not show corresponding similarity in their meanings, this dictionary presents a unique cross-section of the English language. Though it is designed specifically to assist readers in avoiding the use of inappropriate or erroneous phrases, the book can also be used as a regular phraseological dictionary providing definitions to individual idioms, clichés, and set expressions. Most phrases included in the dictionary are in active current use, making information about their meanings and usage essential to language learners at all levels of proficiency.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Readers' Favorite" - Is it possible to describe a dictionary as a fascinating read? With A Dictionary of Confusable Phrases, this is exactly the case. This extensive volume is one of the most useful and valuable tools students of the English language can find to learn new words and expressions. Considering how difficult it is to learn a second language at an advanced level, A Dictionary of Confusable Phrases is a tool that will make things easier. It is an excellent resource to avoid misunderstandings and other silly mistakes. It is user-friendly, and its alphabetical order easily allows you to find the entry you need. Dolgopolov's explanations are concise but enlightening, ideal for those who need immediate clarification. The idea to add an example for each idiom is another valuable element of this book. Instead of learning only in a theoretical way, the use of the expression in a context will make it clearer to readers. For all these reasons, I strongly recommend A Dictionary of Confusable Phrases to every student of the English language.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin
Review Rating: 5 Stars

"Booklist Online" - The capacious English language gracefully accommodates Shakespeare's fruitful inventiveness and fitfully harbors distinctions subject to misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and misuse. Focusing on the latter, Dolgopolov pairs in A-Z order "more than 10,000 idioms and collocations characterized by similarity or contrast in their wording or metaphorical idea that do not show corresponding similarity or contrast in their meanings." He largely steers clear of commonly confused expressions, such as 'hanged' and 'hung', whose differences general usage guides valiantly, if vainly, explain. He favors phrases such as 'boat house' and 'house boat', 'ladies' maid' and 'ladies' man', 'man of nerve' and 'nervous man'. The distinctions between these, except where usage in one country varies from another, should be self-evident to native speakers. Phrases, however, that native speakers might confuse include 'down-turn' and 'turn-down', 'speak without affect' and 'speak without effect', and the U.S. and UK meanings of 'knock someone up' and 'rest room'.
The preponderance of the familiar and self-explanatory validate Dolgopolov's statements that this guide is "intended primarily for ESL students at different levels of proficiency" and can be used by textbook authors and others to identify "potentially confusable expressions incorporated in their products."

Reviewed by: Jill Farmer-Mattingly

From the Author

Dr. Yuri Dolgopolov is a lecturer and lexicographer, currently retiredafter many years of teaching English at universities in Russia andIsrael. He is residing with his family in the beautiful coastline cityof Haifa. His interests include classical music and evergreen movies.Yuri Dolgopolov is the winner of EURALEX 2006 Laurence Urdang Award.

About the Author

Dr. Yuri Dolgopolov is a lecturer and lexicographer, currently retired after many years of teaching English at universities in Russia and Israel. He is residing with his family in the beautiful coastline city of Haifa. His interests include classical music and evergreen movies. Yuri Dolgopolov is the winner of EURALEX 2006 Laurence Urdang Award.

From the Inside Flap

Covering over 10,000 idioms and collocations characterized by similarity in their wording or metaphorical idea which do not show corresponding similarity in their meanings, this dictionary presents a unique cross-section of the English language. Though it is designed specifically to assist readers in avoiding the use of inappropriate or erroneous phrases, the book can also be used as a regular phraseological dictionary providing definitions to individual idioms, cliches, and set expressions. Most phrases included in the dictionary are in active current use, making information about their meanings and usage essential to language learners at all levels of proficiency. --This text refers to the paperback edition.