Idioms for Friends: Strengthening Your English Vocabulary
Idioms are a fascinating aspect of the English language, adding color and depth to our conversations. When it comes to describing friendships, idioms can capture nuances that simple words often miss.
Understanding and using idioms related to friends not only enriches your vocabulary but also helps you connect more authentically with native English speakers. This article is designed to provide a comprehensive guide to idioms about friends, suitable for learners of all levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, you’ll find valuable insights and practical examples to enhance your understanding and usage of these expressive phrases.
This article will explore the definitions, structures, and contexts in which these idioms are used. By the end, you will be able to confidently use these idioms in your own conversations and writing, adding a touch of personality and flair to your English communication.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Idioms for Friends
- Structural Breakdown of Idioms
- Types and Categories of Friendship Idioms
- Examples of Idioms for Friends
- Usage Rules for Friendship Idioms
- Common Mistakes When Using Friendship Idioms
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Friendship Idioms
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Idioms for Friends
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words. Instead, the phrase has a figurative meaning that is known through common use.
Idioms related to friends are phrases that describe different aspects of friendship, such as the quality of the relationship, the process of making friends, or the experience of losing them. They are often colorful and evocative, adding richness to our descriptions of social connections.
In the context of English grammar, idioms are considered fixed expressions. This means their structure and wording cannot be altered without changing or losing their intended meaning.
Understanding idioms is crucial for grasping the nuances of the English language and for effective communication with native speakers. Idioms are not just about vocabulary; they are about understanding the cultural context in which language is used.
Idioms can be classified based on their function. Some idioms describe the intensity of a friendship, while others describe the circumstances under which a friendship exists.
Additionally, idioms can be categorized by the specific aspect of friendship they relate to, such as loyalty, support, or betrayal.
Structural Breakdown of Idioms
Idioms, by their nature, defy simple structural analysis because their meaning is not derived from the individual words. However, we can examine some common structural patterns found in idioms related to friendship:
- Verb + Preposition: Many idioms consist of a verb followed by a preposition, such as “hit it off” (to get along well with someone immediately).
- Noun + Verb: Some idioms are structured with a noun and a verb, like “a shoulder to cry on” (someone who offers support and sympathy).
- Adjective + Noun: Other idioms use an adjective and a noun combination, such as “fair-weather friend” (someone who is only a friend when things are going well).
- Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal verbs, which are verbs combined with an adverb or preposition (or both), often form the basis of idioms. Examples include “patch things up” (to resolve a conflict) and “drift apart” (to gradually become less close).
It’s crucial to remember that the individual words in an idiom do not contribute their literal meanings to the overall meaning of the idiom. For example, in the idiom “bury the hatchet” (to make peace), the words “bury” and “hatchet” do not literally refer to burying a weapon. Instead, the idiom refers to ending a conflict.
The structure of idioms is often fixed, meaning that you cannot change the order of the words or substitute them with synonyms without altering or destroying the idiom’s meaning. This rigidity is a defining characteristic of idioms and distinguishes them from other types of phrases.
Types and Categories of Friendship Idioms
Friendship idioms can be grouped into several categories based on the aspect of friendship they describe. Understanding these categories can help you choose the right idiom to express your meaning accurately.
Idioms for Close Friends
These idioms describe deep, meaningful friendships characterized by loyalty, trust, and mutual support. They often convey a sense of closeness and shared history.
Idioms for Fair-Weather Friends
These idioms describe friends who are only present during good times and disappear when difficulties arise. They highlight the conditional nature of some friendships.
Idioms for Making Friends
These idioms describe the process of forming new friendships, from the initial meeting to the development of a bond. They often focus on compatibility and shared interests.
Idioms for Losing Friends
These idioms describe the experience of drifting apart from friends or ending a friendship due to conflict or other circumstances. They often convey a sense of sadness or regret.
General Friendship Idioms
These idioms describe general aspects of friendship, such as the importance of having friends or the qualities of a good friend. They offer broad insights into the nature of friendship.
Examples of Idioms for Friends
This section provides a comprehensive collection of idioms related to friends, organized by category. Each example is accompanied by a definition and a sample sentence to illustrate its usage.
Idioms for Close Friends
These idioms are used to describe friendships that are strong, intimate, and enduring. They often emphasize the deep connection and mutual support between friends.
The following table provides examples of idioms used to describe close friends:
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Thick as thieves | Very close; sharing secrets and activities. | They’ve been thick as thieves since kindergarten, always getting into mischief together. |
| Bosom buddies | Very close and intimate friends. | John and Mark are bosom buddies; they tell each other everything. |
| Two peas in a pod | Very similar in personality or appearance. | Sarah and Emily are like two peas in a pod; they even finish each other’s sentences. |
| Attached at the hip | Always together; inseparable. | Since they met, they’ve been attached at the hip, doing everything together. |
| Partners in crime | Friends who often engage in mischievous or illegal activities together. | They’re partners in crime, always plotting their next adventure. |
| Soulmates | People who have a deep and natural affinity for each other. | They’re not just friends; they’re soulmates who understand each other perfectly. |
| Like family | So close that they are considered part of the family. | My friends are like family to me; I can always count on them. |
| Ride or die | Extremely loyal and supportive, no matter what. | She’s my ride or die; I know she’ll always have my back. |
| Inseparable | Unable to be separated or parted. | From the moment they met, they were inseparable, spending every waking moment together. |
| Birds of a feather | People who are similar and like to spend time together. | Birds of a feather flock together; it’s no surprise they became best friends. |
| Kindred spirits | People who have similar interests, feelings, or attitudes. | They quickly realized they were kindred spirits, bonding over their love for literature and art. |
| A shoulder to cry on | Someone who offers support and sympathy during difficult times. | Whenever I’m feeling down, she’s always a shoulder to cry on. |
| A friend in need is a friend indeed | A true friend is someone who helps you when you are in trouble. | He proved to be a friend in need is a friend indeed when he helped me move apartments. |
| As close as two coats of paint | Very close to each other. | They’re as close as two coats of paint; you never see one without the other. |
| Joined at the hip | Always together; inseparable. | They’ve been joined at the hip since they were kids, sharing all their secrets and dreams. |
| Stuck like glue | Clingy; always wanting to be together. | The children were stuck like glue to their mother on the first day of school. |
| Thick as mud | Very close and inseparable. | Those two are thick as mud; they’ve been best friends since they were toddlers. |
| Like two peas from the same pod | Extremely similar in appearance or behavior. | The twins are like two peas from the same pod; it’s hard to tell them apart. |
| Partners for life | People who will always be there for each other. | They promised to be partners for life, supporting each other through thick and thin. |
| In each other’s pockets | Spending a lot of time together and sharing everything. | Those two are always in each other’s pockets; they’re practically inseparable. |
| Connected at the heart | Having a deep emotional connection. | They are connected at the heart, understanding each other on a profound level. |
| Two of a kind | Very similar in personality or behavior. | They’re two of a kind; both adventurous and always up for a challenge. |
| Friends ’til the end | Promising to remain friends forever. | They vowed to be friends ’til the end, no matter what life throws their way. |
| BFFs (Best Friends Forever) | An abbreviation for best friends who plan to remain close forever. | They’ve been BFFs since elementary school, sharing all their ups and downs. |
Idioms for Fair-Weather Friends
These idioms describe friends who are only around when things are going well and disappear when troubles arise. They highlight the lack of genuine support and loyalty in such relationships.
The following table provides examples of idioms used to describe fair-weather friends:
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Fair-weather friend | Someone who is only a friend when things are going well. | He turned out to be a fair-weather friend; he disappeared as soon as I needed help. |
| A friend in need is a friend indeed (opposite meaning) | Used sarcastically to point out someone who is *not* a true friend. | I thought he was a good friend, but a friend in need is a friend indeed—he was nowhere to be found when I needed him. |
| A shadow in sunshine | Someone who is only present when things are good. | She was just a shadow in sunshine; she vanished when I lost my job. |
| Here today, gone tomorrow | Someone who is unreliable and disappears quickly. | He’s here today, gone tomorrow; don’t expect him to stick around when things get tough. |
| Vanishing cream | Someone who disappears when problems arise. | He’s like vanishing cream; always there for the fun, but gone when you need support. |
| There for the good times | Only present during happy or successful periods. | He’s only there for the good times; don’t count on him when you’re struggling. |
| Only in it for the ride | Someone who is only interested in the enjoyable aspects of the friendship. | She’s only in it for the ride; she doesn’t care about my problems. |
| A user | Someone who takes advantage of others without offering genuine support. | I realized he was just a user; he only called when he needed something. |
| Fleeting friend | A friend who doesn’t stay around for very long. | She was a fleeting friend, gone as quickly as she came into my life. |
| Opportunistic acquaintance | Someone who is only friendly when it benefits them. | He’s more of an opportunistic acquaintance than a true friend; he only calls when he needs a favor. |
| A fair-weather companion | A companion who is only present during good times. | She proved to be a fair-weather companion, disappearing when the going got tough. |
| A temporary friend | Someone whose friendship doesn’t last long. | He was just a temporary friend, someone who drifted away when our paths diverged. |
| Good-time Charlie | Someone who is only interested in having fun and doesn’t offer support. | He’s a good-time Charlie, always up for a party but never there when you need him. |
| Sunshine friend | A friend who is only around when things are bright and cheerful. | She’s a sunshine friend, but when the storm clouds gather, she’s nowhere to be found. |
| A summer friend | A friend who is only present during a specific period or season. | He was just a summer friend, someone I knew well during vacation but never saw again. |
| A convenience friend | Someone who is only friendly when it’s convenient for them. | She’s a convenience friend, only calling when she needs a ride or a favor. |
| A shallow friend | Someone who doesn’t have a deep or meaningful connection. | He’s a shallow friend, more interested in gossip than genuine conversation. |
| A fleeting acquaintance | Someone who you know briefly but doesn’t form a lasting bond. | He was just a fleeting acquaintance, someone I met at a party but never saw again. |
| A circumstantial friend | Someone who is only a friend due to specific circumstances. | She’s a circumstantial friend, someone I only see at work events. |
| A conditional ally | Someone who is only supportive if certain conditions are met. | He’s a conditional ally, only offering help if it benefits him in some way. |
| A transient pal | A friend who is temporary and doesn’t stay in your life for long. | She was a transient pal, someone I met on vacation but never heard from again. |
| A temporary ally | Someone who is only supportive for a limited time or purpose. | He was a temporary ally, helping me with the project but disappearing afterward. |
| A seasonal buddy | A friend who is only around during a particular season or time of year. | She’s a seasonal buddy, someone I only see during the holidays. |
| A situational comrade | A friend who is only present in specific situations or contexts. | He’s a situational comrade, someone I only work with on specific projects. |
| An unreliable confidant | Someone who cannot be trusted to keep secrets or provide consistent support. | She’s an unreliable confidant, known for gossiping about others behind their backs. |
Idioms for Making Friends
These idioms describe the process of forming new friendships, from the initial meeting to the development of a bond. They often focus on compatibility and shared interests.
The following table provides examples of idioms used to describe making friends:
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Hit it off | To get along well with someone immediately. | We hit it off right away and became fast friends. |
| Click with someone | To have an instant connection with someone. | I really clicked with her at the party; we talked for hours. |
| Strike up a friendship | To begin a friendship. | They struck up a friendship after meeting at a conference. |
| Warm up to someone | To gradually become more friendly or affectionate towards someone. | It took a while, but she eventually warmed up to me and we became good friends. |
| Break the ice | To say or do something to relieve tension or awkwardness, especially at the start of a conversation. | He told a joke to break the ice at the beginning of the meeting. |
| Find common ground | To discover shared interests or opinions. | They found common ground in their love of hiking and started planning trips together. |
| Get on like a house on fire | To get along very well with someone very quickly. | They got on like a house on fire from the moment they met. |
| Bond over something | To form a close relationship through shared experiences or interests. | They bonded over their shared love of classic movies. |
| Forge a connection | To create a strong bond or relationship. | They forged a connection through their volunteer work at the animal shelter. |
| Get to know someone | To become familiar with someone through conversation and interaction. | It takes time to get to know someone and build a lasting friendship. |
| Make a new acquaintance | To meet someone for the first time and start a friendly relationship. | I made a new acquaintance at the networking event last night. |
| Reach out | To make contact with someone, often to initiate a friendship. | I decided to reach out to her after seeing her interesting posts online. |
| Connect on a deeper level | To form a more meaningful and profound relationship. | They started to connect on a deeper level after sharing their personal stories. |
| Establish rapport | To create a harmonious and understanding relationship. | It’s important to establish rapport when meeting new people. |
| Find a kindred spirit | To discover someone who shares similar interests, feelings, or attitudes. | I felt like I had found a kindred spirit when I met her at the book club. |
| Click instantly | To immediately feel a strong connection with someone. | We clicked instantly and became inseparable. |
| Find a friend in someone | To discover that someone is friendly and supportive. | I found a friend in my new colleague, who helped me navigate the company. |
| Forge a bond | To create a strong connection or relationship. | They forged a bond through their shared experiences in the military. |
| Build a friendship | To gradually develop a friendly relationship over time. | It takes time to build a friendship based on trust and mutual respect. |
| Develop a connection | To form a relationship through shared interests and experiences. | They began to develop a connection through their shared love of music. |
| Get acquainted | To become familiar with someone. | We spent the evening getting acquainted with our new neighbors. |
| Make friends easily | To be good at forming new friendships. | She makes friends easily because of her outgoing personality. |
| Create a friendship | To actively work towards establishing a friendly relationship. | They decided to create a friendship by scheduling regular coffee dates. |
| Establish a friendship | To formally begin a friendly relationship. | They established a friendship after working together on the same project. |
| Spark a friendship | To initiate a friendship through a particular event or interaction. | Their shared interest in photography sparked a friendship between them. |
Idioms for Losing Friends
These idioms describe the experience of drifting apart from friends or ending a friendship due to conflict or other circumstances. They often convey a sense of sadness or regret.
The following table provides examples of idioms used to describe losing friends:
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Drift apart | To gradually become less close to someone. | After college, we drifted apart as our lives took different paths. |
| Fall out | To have a serious argument and stop being friends. | They fell out over a misunderstanding and haven’t spoken since. |
| Grow apart | To gradually develop different interests and values, leading to less closeness. | Over time, we grew apart as our priorities changed. |
| Go separate ways | To end a friendship and move in different directions. | After graduation, we went separate ways and lost touch. |
| Part ways | To end a friendship, often due to a disagreement or change in circumstances. | They decided to part ways after realizing they wanted different things in life. |
| Lose touch | To stop communicating with someone. | We lost touch after she moved to another country. |
| Burn bridges | To do something that damages a relationship beyond repair. | He burned bridges when he betrayed his friend’s trust. |
| Go their separate ways | To end a friendship and pursue different paths in life. | They decided to go their separate ways after realizing they were no longer compatible. |
| Reach the end of the road | To come to a point where a friendship cannot continue. | Their friendship had reached the end of the road after years of conflict. |
| Break up | To end a friendship (similar to ending a romantic relationship). | They decided to break up their friendship after a major argument. |
| Come to a parting of the ways | To reach a point where a friendship must end due to differing paths or opinions. | They came to a parting of the ways because they had fundamentally different values. |
| See less of each other | To gradually spend less time together, leading to a weaker friendship. | After starting new jobs, they began to see less of each other. |
| Move in different circles | To start associating with different groups of people, leading to less interaction. | They started to move in different circles after joining different social clubs. |
| Outgrow each other | To develop beyond the shared interests and experiences that once formed the basis of the friendship. | They outgrew each other as they matured and developed different priorities. |
| Have a falling out | To have a serious argument that damages the friendship. | They had a falling out over a political disagreement and haven’t spoken since. |
| Become estranged | To become distant or alienated from each other. | They became estranged after a series of misunderstandings. |
| Let the friendship fade | To allow a friendship to gradually weaken and eventually disappear. | They let the friendship fade due to lack of effort and communication. |
| Go their own way | To end a friendship and pursue different paths in life. | They decided to go their own way after realizing they wanted different things. |
| Part company | To end a friendship or association. | They parted company after disagreeing on a major business decision. |
| Call it quits | To end a friendship or relationship. | They decided to call it quits after realizing they were no longer happy. |
| Sever ties | To formally end a relationship or connection. | They severed ties after a serious betrayal of trust. |
| Cut someone out of your life | To completely remove someone from your life and stop all contact. | She decided to cut him out of her life after he repeatedly caused her pain. |
| Leave on bad terms | To end a friendship with unresolved issues or negative feelings. | They left on bad terms after a heated argument. |
| End on a sour note | To conclude a friendship with unpleasant or negative emotions. | Their friendship ended on a sour note after a series of disagreements. |
| Terminate the friendship | To formally end a friendly relationship. | They decided to terminate the friendship due to irreconcilable differences. |
General Friendship Idioms
These idioms describe general aspects of friendship, such as the importance of having friends or the qualities of a good friend. They offer broad insights into the nature of friendship.
The following table provides examples of general friendship idioms:
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| A friend is a treasure | A good friend is valuable and should be cherished. | A friend is a treasure; I’m so grateful for all the support my friends give me. |
| Friends are the family you choose | Friends are as important as family members and provide similar support and love. | Friends are the family you choose; I’m lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. |
| With friends like that, who needs enemies? | Said when someone’s friend is causing them trouble. | He borrowed my car and crashed it. With friends like that, who needs enemies? |
| A true friend | Someone who is loyal, supportive, and always there for you. | She’s a true friend; I can always count on her, no matter what. |
| The more, the merrier | The more people involved, the better. | Let’s invite more friends; the more, the merrier! |
| Keep someone at arm’s length | To avoid becoming too close to someone. | I keep him at arm’s length because I don’t fully trust him. |
| Bury the hatchet | To make peace and end a conflict. | It’s time to bury the hatchet and move on from this argument. |
| Patch things up | To resolve a conflict and restore a relationship. | They managed to patch things up after their disagreement. |
| A support system | A network of friends who provide emotional and practical support. | My friends are my support system; I don’t know what I’d do without them. |
| A pillar of strength | Someone who provides unwavering support and stability. | She’s been a pillar of strength for me during this difficult time. |
| A shoulder to lean on | Someone who offers support and comfort during difficult times. | He’s always been a shoulder to lean on whenever I’m feeling down. |
| A companion for life | Someone who will be a friend and partner for many years. | She’s not just a friend, she’s a companion for life. |
| A confidant | Someone you trust with your secrets and personal matters. | He’s my confidant; I can tell him anything. |
| A friend for all seasons | Someone who is there for you in all situations and at all times. | She’s a friend for all seasons, always there to support me. |
| A loyal friend | Someone who is faithful and supportive, no matter what. | He’s a loyal friend, always standing by my side. |
| A trusted ally | Someone who you can rely on and who supports your goals. | She’s a trusted ally in both my personal and professional life. |
| A reliable comrade | Someone who is dependable and supportive, especially in challenging situations. | He’s a reliable comrade, always ready to lend a hand. |
| An invaluable friend | Someone whose friendship is extremely valuable and appreciated. | She’s an invaluable friend; I don’t know what I’d do without her advice. |
| A steadfast friend | Someone who is unwavering and constant in their support. | He’s a steadfast friend, always there to offer encouragement. |
| A constant companion | Someone who is always present and supportive in your life | She’s been a constant companion through all my ups and downs. |
Usage Rules for Friendship Idioms
Using idioms correctly can significantly enhance your English communication. However, it’s important to follow certain rules to avoid misusing them.
Here are some key usage rules for friendship idioms:
- Understand the Meaning: Before using an idiom, make sure you fully understand its meaning and connotations. Idioms often have figurative meanings that differ from the literal meanings of their individual words.
- Consider the Context: Use idioms in appropriate contexts. Some idioms are formal, while others are informal. Choose idioms that match the tone and register of your conversation or writing.
- Use Correct Grammar: Even though idioms are fixed expressions, you may need to adjust the verb tense or pronoun to fit the sentence. For example, “They hit it off” can be changed to “We hit it off” or “We are hitting it off“.
- Avoid Overuse: While idioms can add color to your language, overuse can make your speech sound unnatural or forced. Use them sparingly and purposefully.
- Be Aware of Regional Differences: Some idioms are more common in certain regions or dialects of English. Be mindful of your audience and choose idioms that are widely understood.
- Don’t Mix Idioms: Avoid combining parts of different idioms. This can create nonsensical or confusing phrases. For example, don’t say “bury the hatchet under the bridge.”
- Pay Attention to Word Order: The word order in idioms is usually fixed. Changing the order can alter or destroy the idiom’s meaning.
Example: Instead of saying “He’s a fair-weather friend” when someone is consistently supportive, use it to describe someone who disappears when things get tough.
Common Mistakes When Using Friendship Idioms
Even advanced English learners sometimes make mistakes when using idioms. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Literal Interpretation: Interpreting idioms literally instead of understanding their figurative meaning.
- Incorrect Word Choice: Substituting words in an idiom with synonyms, which can change or destroy its meaning.
- Wrong Tense or Form: Using the incorrect verb tense or form of the words in an idiom.
- Mixing Up Idioms: Combining parts of different idioms, resulting in a nonsensical phrase.
- Overusing Idioms: Using too many idioms in a short span, making the language sound unnatural.
- Ignoring Context: Using idioms in inappropriate situations or with the wrong audience.
- Misunderstanding Connotations: Failing to recognize the subtle emotional or cultural associations of an idiom.
Correct: “They fell out” (had a serious argument).
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of friendship idioms with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list provided.
Instructions: Choose the correct idiom from the list to complete each sentence.
Idiom List: hit it off, fair-weather friend, bury the hatchet, drift apart, a shoulder to cry on
- We __________ immediately and became best friends.
- He turned out to be a __________; he was only around when things were going well.
- It’s time to __________ and move on from this argument.
- After college, we started to __________ as our lives took different paths.
- She’s always __________ when I’m feeling down.
Answer Key:
- hit it off
- fair-weather friend
- bury the hatchet
- drift apart
- a shoulder to cry on
Instructions: Match the idiom with its correct meaning.
- Thick as thieves
- Partners in crime
- Soulmates
Meanings:
- People who have a deep and natural affinity for each other.
- Very close; sharing secrets and activities.
- Friends who often engage in mischievous or illegal activities together.
Answer Key:
- Thick as thieves – b
- Partners in crime – c
- Soulmates – a
Advanced Topics in Friendship Idioms
For advanced learners, exploring the nuances and cultural contexts of friendship idioms can further enhance their understanding. Here are some advanced topics to consider:
- Cultural Variations: Investigate how different cultures express friendship through unique idioms and expressions.
- Historical Origins: Research the historical origins of common friendship idioms to understand their evolution and deeper meanings.
- Literary Usage: Analyze how authors use friendship idioms in literature to convey character relationships and themes.
- Idiomatic Creativity: Explore the possibility of creating new idioms related to friendship, while respecting the conventions of idiomatic language.
- Sociolinguistic Aspects: Study how social factors such as age, gender, and social class influence the use and interpretation of friendship idioms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to learn idioms?
Learning idioms is crucial for understanding native English speakers and for expressing yourself more naturally and effectively. Idioms add color and depth to your language, making your communication more engaging.
How can I improve my understanding of idioms?
Immerse yourself in English language content, such as books, movies, and conversations with native speakers. Pay attention to how idioms are used in context, and keep a record of new idioms you encounter.
Are idioms the same in all English-speaking countries?
No, idioms can vary between different English-speaking countries and regions. Some idioms are specific to certain dialects or cultures.
Can I create my own idioms?
While it’s possible to create new idioms, they need to be widely adopted to become recognized. It’s generally better to focus on learning and using existing idioms correctly.
How do I avoid misusing idioms?
Always understand the meaning and context of an idiom before using it. Practice using idioms in sentences and get feedback from native speakers.
Conclusion
Understanding and using idioms related to friends is a valuable skill for English learners. It allows you to express the nuances of friendship with greater depth and color.
By studying the definitions, structures, and usage rules of these idioms, you can enhance your vocabulary and communicate more effectively with native speakers. Remember to practice using these idioms in your own conversations and writing to solidify your understanding and build confidence.
Keep exploring new idioms and expressions to continue expanding your knowledge of the English language.
