A Corpus-Based Study of the Use of Idiomatic Expressions in English Among Secondary School Students in Afijio Local Government

Abstract
This study examines the use of idiomatic expressions in English among secondary school students in Afijio Local Government through a corpus-based approach. Idiomatic expressions are integral to natural language use, yet their mastery presents challenges for learners, particularly in second-language contexts. This research aims to analyze the frequency, types, and contextual usage of idioms among students to determine their proficiency and common patterns of use.
Data for the study are collected through a corpus compiled from students' spoken and written expressions, supported by observation and interviews. The methodology employs both qualitative and quantitative analysis to identify recurring idiomatic patterns, errors, and the factors influencing their usage. The findings are expected to provide insights into students’ grasp of idioms, their communicative competence, and possible pedagogical interventions to enhance idiomatic proficiency.
The study contributes to the field of language learning by highlighting the role of idiomatic expressions in secondary education and suggesting strategies for improving students' idiomatic competence. It also provides implications for curriculum development and teaching methodologies aimed at fostering a more natural and effective use of English among learners.
Keywords: Corpus-basedstudy, idiomatic expressions, secondary school students, language proficiency, language production.