Is it necessary for students to understand all English idioms to skillfully engage in conversational English?

Understanding all English idioms is not necessary for students to skillfully engage in conversational English. While idioms can enrich language use and enhance communication by adding color and depth to conversations, they represent only a part of the language. Many effective conversations can occur without the use of idioms, as fundamental communication relies more heavily on vocabulary, grammar, and context rather than a complete mastery of idiomatic expressions.

Additionally, proficiency in conversational English often depends on the ability to comprehend context, make relevant contributions, and recognize common phrases and expressions used in everyday language, rather than on knowing every idiom. Many native speakers may not even use or fully understand all idioms, which further emphasizes that long-lasting conversational skills do not hinge on an exhaustive knowledge of idiomatic language. Instead, focusing on understanding commonly used idioms and phrases can greatly enhance a student's conversational capabilities without overwhelming them with the vast number of idioms present in the English language.