Meaning & use
being bilingual
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
the state of being able to use two languages fluently, especially from childhood.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: 'Being bilingual is an advantage.' It can be followed by 'in' to specify the languages: 'being bilingual in English and Spanish'.
Patterns
- being bilingual in something
- being bilingual
- being bilingual from birth
Being bilingual opens up more job opportunities.
She credits being bilingual to her parents, who spoke different languages at home.
Being bilingual in English and Mandarin is a valuable skill in business.
Common combinations
- being bilingual in
- Being bilingual in French and German helped him get the job.
- being bilingual from birth
- Being bilingual from birth gives children a natural advantage in language learning.
- being bilingual helps
- Being bilingual helps you understand other cultures better.
Synonyms and how they differ
- bilingualism
- A noun referring to the phenomenon or practice of speaking two languages.
- fluent in two languages
- A phrase that describes the same ability but without the specific term 'bilingual'.
Opposites
Word family
- bilingual adjective
- Able to speak two languages fluently.
- bilingualism noun
- The state of being bilingual.
- bilingually adverb
- In a bilingual manner; using two languages.
Commonly confused: being bilingual or bilingual?
being bilingual vs bilingual
The adjective 'bilingual' describes a person or thing; 'being bilingual' focuses on the state or experience.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'being bilingual' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct preposition to specify the languages is 'in': 'bilingual in English and Spanish'. 'Of', 'with', and 'for' are not used in this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “being bilingual”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.