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Mississippi

- 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. For example: Terrill Willson intends on doing his exercises while on the towboat. This is not idiomatic. The usual, and therefore proper, version is: Terrill Willson intends to do his exercises while on the towboat. [idiomatic] Several more examples follow: The barges are modeled after early flat-bottomed boats. The barges are modeled on early flat-bottomed boats. [idiomatic] The channel is not only 9 feet deep but 300 feet wide. The channel is not only 9 feet deep but also 300 feet wide. [idiomatic] The tow was so long it hit a sand bar on a bend in the river. The tow was so long that it hit a sand bar on a bend in the river. [idiomatic] The result from constructing wing-dams was a narrower channel. The result of constructing wing-dams was a narrower channel. [idiomatic] Captain McGrew was disappointed at his maneuver under the Vicksburg bridge. Captain McGrew was disappointed with his maneuver under the Vicksburg bridge. [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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