Binomial Expressions Quiz

The English word binomial can be broken down into two parts: the first is 'bi', meaning two, and 'nomial' means word. So together they can be seen as two-word phrases. The two words which make up these phrases are often separated by a preposition or 'and'. On this page, we will examine how they could be utilised to improve your vocabulary for an IELTS speaking test or in your writing. In fact, using binomial expressions in your IELTS speaking test can be extremely useful because they are considered advanced vocabulary items. Therefore, using them correctly in your test will indicate that you are band 7 or above for vocabulary.

Examine the birthday card written by a native speaker and see if you can identify the two binomial expressions that have been used:

Dear Jane,

Happy Birthday my Dear friend. I am writing to thank you for your support over the last year. You have been with me through thick and thin, and I hope we will be friends till we are old and grey.

The two binomial expressions in use here are 'thick and thin' and 'old and grey'. To be with someone through thick and thin means that they are your friend in both good and bad times. When getting married, you hope your spouse will stay with you through thick and thin, until you are old and grey.

Give and Take vs Give or Take

The two main words in Binomial Expressions are often separated by the conordinating conjunctions 'and' and 'or', with 'to' being another frequent word in the middle of the two main words. This is illustrated by the expressions 'Give and Take,' and Give or Take. 'Give and Take,' means to give, and receive something in return, and is a feature of any successful marriage or working relationship. In contrast, Give or Take means approximately. For example, teachers in the UK earn about £30,000 a year give or take a couple of thousand.

Binomial expressions in sport

A good place to start with binomial expressions is to give voice to the excitement when we are describing an exciting match. Look at the following description of 1996 FA Premier League game and try and identify the binomials.

Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle: From kickoff this end-to-end match was all about goals. Going in at 2-2 at Anfield many managers would ask their team to tighten up their defence and try to secure at least a draw. However, Kevin Keegan's Newcastle came out in attack again in the second half and went 3-2 up with a goal from Faustino Asprilla. The match continued to be to-and-fro, but it was Liverpool FC who scored two more goals, including an injury-time winner by Stan Collymore.

The binomial expressions above mean essentially the same thing in this context. They both show that the match was exciting with the passage of play quickly shifting from one end to the other. They are often used when describing exciting football matches. Either would be an excellent choice in a part 2 speaking task on the topic of sport. We can also use the binomial expression back and forth with the same meaning, and same purpose.

Binomial Expressions from the Bible

Some binomial expressions have interesting historical or literary origins. One example comes from the Bible: torn in two.

Matthew 27:51 - "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split."

This literally refers to the temple curtain being split at the moment of Jesus’ death. Today, torn in two can be used literally (a paper or piece of cloth) or figuratively to describe people, groups, or relationships being divided — for example, a family torn in two by disagreement.

Binomial Expressions Including "Pride"

In February 2026, the UK's embattled Keir Starmer introduced a concept that resembles a binomial expression. His new policy, Pride in Place, aims to encourage people of all races and backgrounds to take pride, together, in their communities. Coinciding with the breakdown of the Epstein-Mandelson friendship, which has rocked the party, it seems unlikely that this policy—and the accompanying phrase—will enter common parlance. However, there are some binomial expressions containing the word pride that have become part of everyday English. Let's look at a few of the most familiar:

Pride of Place: A classic expression meaning the most important or honored position, often used to indicate a place of prominence. For example: "The trophy was given pride of place on the mantelpiece."

Pride and Prejudice: Made famous by Jane Austen's 1813 novel, this binomial pairs two contrasting human traits—pride and prejudice—and has entered common usage to describe situations where personal biases and ego influence judgment. For example: "Her pride and prejudice made it difficult for her to see his good intentions."

Pride and Joy: Refers to someone or something you cherish or are especially proud of. For example: "Her grandchildren are her pride and joy."

Together, these expressions show how the word pride combines with others to create vivid, memorable phrases. They are excellent examples of binomial expressions in English and can add sophistication to both writing and speech, particularly in exams like IELTS or in literary discussions.