Fixed: Fixed multiword expression

Definition

fixed refers to a fixed multiword expression that functions as a single lexical item.

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Characteristics

• The fixed tag is applied to idioms or set collocations that appear in a fixed sequence, especially when their syntactic relationships are highly ambiguous.
• Like flat (Flat multiword expression), the fixed tag is used for multiword expressions.
• Unlike the flat tag, which mainly shows relationships between nouns, the fixed tag usually includes predicates.
• Examples
  • 운동하는 셈 치고 가까운 곳에 걸어서 다닌다. → ‘-는 셈 치다’: A set collocation indicating a predicted outcome based on an assumed situation.
  • 방학에 여행을 갈까 말까 고민했어요. → ‘-ㄹ까 말까’: A set collocation indicating a choice between alternatives.

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Examples

• 운동하는 셈 치고 가까운 곳에 걸어서 다닌다.
• 방학에 여행을 갈까 말까 고민했어요.
• 수업을 듣는 둥 마는 둥 하다가 집에 간다.
• 한국에 적응할 수 있는지 없는지 한번 보세요.