ESL Nonreversible Word Pairs or Examples

Certain words go together like bread and water. Bread and water is an example of a word pair that is always used in that order. In other words, we dont say water and bread. This type of word pair is called nonreversible. In many ways, they are like collocations — words that usually go together. Students can use this list with examples to learn the most common nonreversible word pairs. Teachers can use this resource in class to help students learn these set phrases. Once you are comfortable with these phrases, continue learning set phrases and collocations. Teachers can explore using set phrases in teaching techniques with the lexical approach. Adam and Eve Walking through this beautiful park makes it seem like we are Adam and Eve.Adam and Eve enjoyed a guilt-free life before the big mistake that started it all. Bacon and Eggs I love having bacon and eggs for breakfast.Would you like bacon and eggs this morning? Back and Forth We went back and forth on whether to buy the house or not.The messages went back and forth until a decision was made. Bread and Water Its very hard, but not impossible, to live on bread and water.Many movies show prisoners who only receive bread and water. Bride and Groom The bride and groom are very happy today!Look at the lovely bride and handsome groom. Business and Pleasure Many people say that its not a good idea to mix business and pleasure.Have you ever gone on a holiday that mixed business and pleasure? Cause and Effect Cause and effect are not always clear.There are certain linking words which show cause and effect. Cream and Sugar I take cream and sugar in my coffee.Would you like cream and sugar in your tea? Crime and Punishment We have been discussing crime and punishment in English class this month.Crime and Punishment is a famous novel by Dostoyevsky. Cup and Saucer Could you pass me the cup and saucer?Lets have some tea. Could you set the table with cups and saucers? Dead or Alive The criminal is wanted dead or alive.The days of the wild west were famous for notices looking for criminals dead or alive. Fish and Chips I had some fish and chips for dinner yesterday.One of the most famous dishes in England is fish and chips. Fun and Games Life is not all fun and games.Did you think school would be all fun and games? Hammer and Nail Use a hammer and nail to put those two boards together.Grab a hammer and nails and help me with this project. Husband and Wife The husband and wife appeared to be on vacation.Did you see the husband and wife staying in room 203? In and Out I have to go to work. Ill be in and out in a flash.Lets go in and out of the store. Knife and Fork Could you put the knives and forks on the table?I need another knife and fork. Ladies and Gentlemen Ladies and gentlemen, its my pleasure to welcome you tonight.Ladies and gentlemen, Id like to introduce you to Bill Hampton. Law and Order Most people desire law and order in their community.Law and order is one of the prime responsibilities of government. Life or Death Many people seem to go about work as if it were a matter of life or death.I feel like this is a life or death situation. Lock and Key Some parents try to keep their teenagers under lock and key.Our jewelry is kept under lock and key. Lost and Found Look for your coat in the lost and found.Where is the lost and found department? Name and Address Please provide your name and address on this form.Could I have your name and address, please? Pen and Pencil Bring pen and pencil to class on Monday.I always make sure I have pen and pencil by the telephone. Pots and Pans I spent three hours washing the pots and pans.We keep our pots and pans in that cupboard. Profit and Loss The profit and loss report will be out on Friday.Could you go over the profit and loss figures for last quarter? Rain or Shine Ill make sure to come rain or shine.Were having a picnic on Saturday - rain or shine. Read and Write Reading and writing are the two most important skills for this course.How old were you when you learned to read and write? Right and / or  Wrong Can you tell the difference between right and wrong?He doesnt care if it is right or wrong. Rise and Fall The rise and fall of Rome is fascinating.Some people feel that the rise and fall of this country is already behind us. Salt and Pepper Could you pass the salt and pepper?I like salt and pepper on my eggs. Shirt and Tie Be sure to wear a shirt and tie to the interview.Do I need to wear a shirt and tie? Shoes and Socks You cant get into this restaurant without shoes and socks.Put on your shoes and socks and lets go. Soap and Water Wash your hands with soap and water.Youll find soap and water in the bathroom. Sooner or Later Sooner or later well all know the truth.Ill do it sooner or later. Suit and Tie I wore a suit and tie to the party.Thats a nice suit and tie! Supply and Demand The market system runs on supply and demand.The laws of supply and demand decide a products success or failure. Sweet and Sour I love sweet and sour chicken.Would you like sweet and sour Chinese food tonight? Trial and Error Children learn through trial and error.Most business success occurs through trial and error. Up and / or  Down Id like you to vote this procedure up or down?Should we go up or down the stairs? War and Peace Life can be difficult in times of war and peace.War and Peace was written by Tolstoy. Wine and Cheese Lets have some wine and cheese this afternoon.They had wine and cheese at the party.