phrase
phrase — noun
1. a set of words that works together inside a sentence but is not a full clause
a set of words that works together inside a sentence but is not a full clause
In 'under the table,' the phrase shows where the cat slept.
phrase shows place in a sentence
Our teacher circled the phrase 'after lunch' on the board.
the phrase '...'
In 'Three red apples fell,' the noun phrase comes first.
noun phrase
On the test, Mina underlined the wrong phrase as the subject.
phrase as the subject
- noun phrase
- verb phrase
- prepositional phrase
- short phrase
- word group
a plain descriptive term, not a precise grammar label
- construction
a broader grammar word that can cover larger patterns too
- unit
very general and only useful when the grammar context is already clear
Grammar Patterns
the phrase '...'
noun phrase
prepositional phrase
Usage Note
Often appears with labels such as `noun`, `verb`, or `prepositional`. Distinguish from a clause: a phrase does not usually have its own finite verb.
Common Mistakes
2. a few words regularly said together to express one idea
a few words regularly said together to express one idea
The tour guide taught us the phrase 'watch your step'.
the phrase '...'
Grandpa still uses a local phrase from his fishing village.
phrase from + place
The travel app explained the phrase 'service charge included' on the menu.
After the final whistle, fans repeated the phrase from the team song outside the station.
repeat a phrase
- common phrase
- useful phrase
- repeat the phrase
- learn a phrase
- expression
the closest broad synonym, common in both speech and writing
- saying
often sounds more traditional or memorable
- idiom
narrower because the meaning may not be clear from the individual words
Grammar Patterns
the phrase '...'
use a phrase from + place
repeat a phrase
Usage Note
Often followed by quoted words, or discussed with `mean`, `use`, and `repeat`. Distinguish from noun/1 `GRAMMAR`: this sense is about meaning in everyday use, not sentence structure.
Common Mistakes
3. a brief run of notes that sounds like one complete musical idea
a brief run of notes that sounds like one complete musical idea
The violin phrase rises softly before the drums enter.
instrument + phrase
During practice, Leo played the final phrase three times.
final phrase
That piano phrase returns near the end of the song.
The singer held the last note of the phrase longer.
note of the phrase
- musical phrase
- opening phrase
- final phrase
- repeat the phrase
Grammar Patterns
opening phrase
final phrase
repeat the phrase
Usage Note
Common with words such as `melody`, `song`, `violin`, and `repeat`. Smaller than a whole tune, but larger than a single note.
4. a wording choice that shows a speaker's or writer's personal style
a wording choice that shows a speaker's or writer's personal style
In Friday's review, that sharp phrase sounded just like Editor Chen.
sounded like + person's style
The poet used a simple phrase to describe the empty field.
use a phrase to + verb
In the war speech, one bold phrase sounded like Churchill himself.
Her phrase 'a city that never hurries' gave the article warmth.
quoted phrase showing style
- awkward phrase
- striking phrase
- favorite phrase
- phrase typical of her style
- wording
the most direct everyday alternative
- diction
more formal and often used in literary discussion
- turn of phrase
often suggests a distinctive or memorable wording choice
Grammar Patterns
a phrase for + idea
use a phrase to + verb
a phrase typical of + person
Usage Note
Usually discussed when people comment on a writer's or speaker's style. Distinguish from noun/2 `EXPRESSION`: this sense focuses on a person's wording choice, not on a familiar set phrase.
Common Mistakes
to coin a phrase
idiomThis is said before or after using a well-known saying in a slightly changed way to be funny.
Out of sight, out of mind, to coin a phrase.
To coin a phrase, it's a case of 'easy come, easy go'.
a turn of phrase
idiomA particular way of saying something, often showing skill or style.
Maya has a clever turn of phrase that makes her stories fun.
His unusual turn of phrase surprised everyone at the meeting.
phrase — verb
1. to put an idea into words in a certain way, especially carefully or deliberately
to put an idea into words in a certain way, especially carefully or deliberately
Nina phrased the email politely after the first draft sounded angry.
phrase + object + adverb
The lawyer phrased each question so the witness could answer clearly.
Please phrase your complaint as a question at the meeting.
phrase + something + as + noun
The school letter was phrased in warm, simple language.
passive: be phrased in + language
- phrase the question carefully
- phrase an email politely
- phrase it as a request
- be phrased in plain language
Grammar Patterns
phrase + something + adverb
phrase + something + as + noun
be phrased in + language
Usage Note
Usually takes an object such as `question`, `email`, `answer`, or `rule`. Very common with `as` for a new form and in the passive with `in` plus a style or kind of language.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- phrasingnounB2
- rephraseverbC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/2
For noun/2, phrase is a broad word for a small set of words used together to carry one idea. Expression is very close, but it can sound slightly more general and is common in teaching materials. Saying often suggests a familiar line that people repeat, especially a traditional or memorable one. Idiom is narrower: its meaning may not be clear from the separate words, such as `spill the beans`. Term is different because it often belongs to a special subject area and may be only one word. You can learn a useful phrase for travel, hear a saying from your grandparents, and study an idiom in class.
Etymology
Phrase came into English through French from Latin and ultimately from Greek phrasis, which meant a way of speaking or expression. That history fits the modern word, which can refer either to a group of words or to the way an idea is put into words.