Style

Amazon

- Idiom - The proper way to say something in English is often a matter of custom. Accepted usage dictates that it be said a certain way. This is idiom. We will review several examples of idiom in each lesson on style. For example: Do you plan on visiting the Amazon? This is not idiomatic. The usual, and therefore proper, version is: Do you plan to visit the Amazon? [idiomatic] Several more examples follow: Some people regard the terra cahides to be omens of doom. Some people regard the terra cahides as omens of doom. [idiomatic] The terra cahides are caused not so much by rain but instead by erosion. The terra cahides are caused not so much by rain as by erosion. [idiomatic] The large waves lumbered back and forth between the north bank to the south bank. The large waves lumbered back and forth between the north bank and the south bank. [idiomatic] Stories depict the rock falls to be angry messages from the gods. Stories depict the rock falls as angry messages from the gods. [idiomatic] Note: Consult a good dictionary if you are unsure whether a phrase is idiomatic. (To find it, look up the most significant word in the phrase -- it is usually a verb.)

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