English Phrasebook (Idioms) by ADS Software Group
Cost: $0.99
Reviewed at v1.3
English Phrasebook (formerly known as Idioms) offers a wide selection of English idioms available to view without internet connection. Some of the commonplace phrases include "eagle eye," "rub salt to the wound," as well as "MacGyvered" and "a broken clock is right twice a day." The UI of the application is similar to browsing songs on your iPhone or iPod Touch; content is alphabetized and you simply scroll through the right side to browse phrases. There is a search function, multi-colored backgrounds to "spice" up the screen, and quizzes. The phrases are well defined, but I have a few minor gripes with the app.
First off, scrolling through phrases is not as fluid as I'd like it to be. Perhaps this is because I've gotten used to quickly browsing through songs on my iPod Touch, but it is frustrating to find the screen this scrolling even when you're not touching the screen.
And while I adore the great variety of idioms, or english phrases as ADS terms it, the app needs something to liven it up. The quiz format, in which you select between "Word" or "Definition" (which is mainly just memorizing the term or definition) is not intuitive or useful. I know this app is not meant to function as an idiom game, but offering such a functionality leaves room for criticism. Tweaking the quiz format with definitely "pack a punch" to the app's overall appeal.
The multi-colored screens are great and all, but maybe some customization options could be implemented? At times I feel the font is too small or hard to read. May that's just me, but I'd like the appearance to be changed a bit in that aspect.
Despite the minor flaws of this app, I have no other criticisms. If you're interested in the english language, or stuying idioms, or just curious about them, this app will suffice. There are 9,000 idioms featured, with concise, easy to understand definitions. You'll be able to view familiar phrases, while discovering new ones at the same time.
The app has not been updated in a while, but hopefully some changes are in store.
Graphics: 3/5
Sound: N/A
Replay Value: 4/5
Value: 4/5
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