Idiom modifications: What grammar reveals about conceptual structure

This paper deals with modifications, which are defined as creative changes of idioms’ conventionalized forms for communicative purposes. The focus is on verb phrase (VP) idioms and their structural modifications – deliberate alterations the grammatical structure (which may be accompanied by lexical changes). Idiom analyzed within framework Cognitive Grammar. aim to show that systematic a certain extent restrictions governing such similar those apply variations. We performed study 160 VP in English Web corpus 2013 (enTenTen13). Two groups results were obtained. Firstly, limited four types active passive voice, transitive intransitive constructions, directional opposites nominalization parallel usually mentioned Secondly, exhibit systematicity how conceptual content expressed grammatically they follow established patterns. implies that, when using an idiom creatively, speaker can choose from set options, but options allow creativity boundaries. Overall, this shows jointly constrained semantic factors.