Branches of linguistics. Synchronic vs diachronic approaches to the language study. Lexicology – ‘the science of the word’ Lexicon

According to the communicative function determined by their structural-semantic features four classes of set-expressions are defined:

nominating units denote extralingual entities, e.g. as the crow flies;

nominating-communicative verbal phrases can be transformed into a sentence when used in the passive voice, e.g. to break the ice – the ice is broken; to pull somebody’s leg – somebody’s leg is pulled.

interjectional units express emotions, e.g. a pretty kettle of fish, by George!

communicative units are proverbs, sayings, quotations whose structure is similar to that of a sentence, e.g. Familiarity breeds contempt.