There are many terms for phraseological units, but the best one is set expressions, for it accentuates

the specific qualities of phraseological units: stability, idiomaticity, integrity, syntactic indivisibility. The central problem is the criteria of distinguishing them from free word groups. Shakhmatov and Fortunatov singled out the following criteria: stability, idiomaticity, function and context. Criterion of stability means that the components of phraseological units follow each other in the definite constant order, there can be no substitution for them. This view point has been criticized, since many phraseological units lack absolute stability and admit variations. Criterion of idiomaticity is based on the lack of motivation. Vinogradov singled out the degrees of idiomaticity: a phraseological unit is based on a phraseological fusion, which is non-motivated at all, i.g. to kick the bucket. Free word groups can be perceived through the metaphorical or metonymical meaning, i.g. to wash ones dirty linen in public. Phraseological collocations are stable set word groups which still have a clear motivation but strictly limited vocabulary, i.g. to shrug ones shoulder. This view point has been criticized, for there is no distinct boarder line between phraseological units and word groups on one hand and word groups and phraseological collocations on the other. Criterion of function presupposes that phraseological units are grammatically and stylistically inseparable, in a sentence they behave like a single syntactic form, i.g. He wrote it in a long run. This view point has been criticized, as the same phraseological units may be inseparable in 1 type of syntactic context, but quite separable in another, i.g. take care - care was taken. According to the criterion of context phraseological units have a fixed meaning (unlike free word groups). subdivided them into phraseological units and phraseological idioms. Phraseological units are 2 member groups in which 1 of the members has a specific meaning dependent on the 2nd member (small hours = early). Idioms are characterized by idiomaticity of the whole group (red tape). Amosovas view point has been criticized, for non-variability of context doesnt necessarily imply a specific meaning of the component. Some word groups arent stable, although they have various degree of idiomaticity. Then, there were we many classifications before Kunins. Smith and Ball based their classification on rhyme, alliteration and contrast. Fortunatov and Shakhmatov paid much attention to the syntactic analysis of phraseological units. Their classification is known as structural. There has existed a diachronic classification by Larin, which reflects 3 stages a unit passes on the way of becoming a phraseological one: 1) a free word - group, 2) metaphraseologicalorical unit, 3) an idiom. Some phraseological units had been built spontaneously (they have never

been free word groups). Vinogradovs classification is synchronic. It is based on the motivation of the unit, i.e. the relationship between the meaning of the whole and the meaning of its component parts. The degree of motivation is correlated with the rigidity, indivisibility and semantic unity of the expressions. It suggests 3 types of phraseological units: phraseological fusions, phraseological units, phraseological combinations. Smirnitskii constructed a classification which is reversed in comparison with Vinagradovs one: 1) traditional phraseological units, 2 phraseological combination with the faded phraseological units (i.g. to fall in love). 3 idioms which have no motivation (i.g. as dead as a doornail). Kunin has many classifications, the main is based upon the combination of functional, semantic features: 1) nominative phraseological units, 2) communicative phraseological units (proverbs and sayings), 3) phraseological units with combined function (interjectional phraseological units, modal phraseological units (i.g. as sure as Im sitting here)). According to the character all the units may be divided into: 1) expressions with variable verbal or nominal elements (e.g. not to stir / lift a finger), 2) expression with variable pronominal elements (e.g. to pull ones leg), 3) expressions which combine 2 types of variability (to give s.o (nominal) a piece of ones mind (pronominal)). classified phraseological units and divided them into14 core patterns. The most productive ones are:

1) N+N (foot-force),

2) Adj+N (heavy father),

3) N+Adj (to bleed white),

4) Npossessive case+ N (the devils delight),

5) V+N (kick the bucket), 6) Prep+N,

7) N+prep+N (the king of birds an eagle),

8) Adv+Adj (so so),

9) Adj+Adj (pretty good),

10) V+Adj (to go wild).

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