Home › C2 › Grammar › Fixed expressions and idiomatic structures
Fixed expressions and idiomatic structures
C2 C2 grammar · lesson 5 of 12
Some English structures are frozen: their word order and form cannot change. Using them accurately makes your English sound natural, and misusing them is very noticeable.
Frozen grammar
Many expressions keep old or unusual grammar – a subjunctive, an unusual word order, a missing article. You cannot apply normal rules to them; you learn them as units and fit them correctly into the sentence.
| Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| the + comparative…, the + comparative | two things change together | The sooner we start, the better. |
| come what may | whatever happens | I’ll finish, come what may. |
| as it were | so to speak | She was, as it were, the glue of the team. |
| be that as it may | even so | Be that as it may, we must decide today. |
| if need be | if necessary | We can work late if need be. |
| so to speak | not literally | He’s the new kid on the block, so to speak. |
| suffice it to say | I will only say | Suffice it to say, the trip was eventful. |
The more…, the more…
This «double comparative» has a fixed shape: the + comparative + clause, the + comparative + clause. Both halves start with the, and the subject and verb follow the comparative. Short forms without verbs are common: the more, the merrier.
The longer you wait, the harder it gets.
The more I read about it, the less I understand.
The more expensive the hotel, the smaller the breakfast, it seems.
Other fixed patterns
Sam will be there on time, rain or shine.
Far be it from me to criticise, but the plan has gaps.
The house was quiet – too quiet, if anything.
Little by little, the town recovered.
The film was, if anything, better than the book.
Anna has all but finished the thesis. (= almost)
Common mistakes
✗ More you practise, more you improve.
✓ The more you practise, the more you improve.
✗ Come what will, I’ll stay.
✓ Come what may, I’ll stay.
✗ Be it as it may, the rules are clear.
✓ Be that as it may, the rules are clear.
✗ Suffice to say it that we lost.
✓ Suffice it to say that we lost.
Use fixed expressions where they add precision or rhythm, and keep the exact wording – a single changed word can make them sound strange.