Nonreversible Word Pairs

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 don't 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.

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.

I love having bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Would you like bacon and eggs this morning?

We went back and forth on whether to buy the house or not.
The messages went back and forth until a decision was made.

It's very hard, but not impossible, to live on bread and water.
Many movies show prisoners who only receive bread and water.

The bride and groom are very happy today!
Look at the lovely bride and handsome groom.

Many people say that it's not a good idea to mix business and pleasure.
Have you ever gone a holiday that mixed business and pleasure?

Cause and effect are not always clear.
There are certain linking words which show cause and effect.

I take cream and sugar in my coffee.
Would you like cream and sugar in your tea?

We have been discussing crime and punishment in English class this month.
Crime and Punishment is a famous novel by Dostoyevsky.

Could you pass me the cup and saucer?
Let's have some tea. Could you set the table with cups and saucers?

The criminal is wanted dead or alive.
The days of the wild west were famous for notices looking for criminals dead or alive.

Dish and Chips

I had some fish and chips for dinner yesterday.
One of the most famous dishes in England is fish and chips.

Life is not all fun and games.
Did you think school would be all fun and games?

Use a hammer and nail to put those two boards together.
Grab a hammer and nails and help me with this project.

The husband and wife appeared to be on vacation.
Did you see the husband and wife staying in room 203?

I have to go to work. I'll be in and out in a flash.
Let's go in and out of the store.

Could you put the knives and forks on the table?
I need another knife and fork.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's my pleasure to welcome you tonight.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to Bill Hampton.

Most people desire law and order in their community.
Law and order is one of the prime responsibilities of government.

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.

Some parents try to keep their teenagers under lock and key.
Our jewelry is kept under lock and key.

Look for your coat in the lost and found.
Where is the lost and found department?

Please provide your name and address on this form.
Could I have your name and address, please?

Bring pen and pencil to class on Monday.
I always make sure I have pen and pencil by the telephone.

I spent three hours washing the pots and pans.
We keep our pots and pans in that cupboard.

The profit and loss report will be out on Friday.
Could you go over the profit and loss figures for last quarter?

I'll make sure to come rain or shine.
We're having a picnic on Saturday - rain or shine.

Reading and writing are the two most important skills for this course.
How old were you when you learned to read and write?

Can you tell the difference between right and wrong?
He doesn't care if it is right or wrong.

The rise and fall of Rome is fascinating.
Some people feel that the rise and fall of this country is already behind us.

Could you pass the salt and pepper?
I like salt and pepper on my eggs.

Be sure to wear a shirt and tie to the interview.
Do I need to wear a shirt and tie?

You can't get into this restaurant without shoes and socks.
Put on your shoes and socks and let's go.

Wash your hands with soap and water.
You'll find soap and water in the bathroom.

Sooner or later we'll all know the truth.
I'll do it sooner or later.

I wore a suit and tie to the party.
That's a nice suit and tie!

The market system runs on supply and demand.
The laws of supply and demand decide a products' success or failure.

I love sweet and sour chicken.
Would you like sweet and sour Chinese food tonight?

Children learn through trial and error.
Most business success occurs through trial and error.

I'd like you to vote this procedure up or down?
Should we go up or down the stairs?

Life can be difficult in times of war and peace.
War and Peace was written by Tolstoy.

Let's have some wine and cheese this afternoon.
They had wine and cheese at the party.