Phrase

A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming part of a sentence., An expression of two or more words that convey a single idea or concept., A sequence of musical notes that make up a unit of melody.

Phrase - Meanings

A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming part of a sentence.

Example: She went to the store.

Usage: formalContext: written and spoken language

Note: Phrases can function as nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence.

An expression of two or more words that convey a single idea or concept.

Example: Piece of cake

Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations

Note: Idiomatic phrases may not be easily understood by translating each word individually.

A sequence of musical notes that make up a unit of melody.

Example: The opening phrase of the song was catchy.

Usage: neutralContext: discussions about music

Note: In music theory, phrases are often characterized by their length and structure.

Phrase's synonyms

expression

An expression is a group of words that convey a specific meaning or feeling.

Example: The expression 'break a leg' means good luck in theater.

Note: Expressions can be more idiomatic or colloquial compared to phrases.

idiom

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative, non-literal meaning.

Example: The idiom 'kick the bucket' means to die.

Note: Idioms are specific types of phrases with figurative meanings.

sentence

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought.

Example: The sentence 'She went to the store' is a simple statement.

Note: Sentences are typically longer and more complete than phrases.

clause

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.

Example: The dependent clause 'when the sun sets' adds information to the main sentence.

Note: Clauses can function as part of a larger sentence or stand alone.

Phrase expressions, common phrases

Catchy phrase

A catchy phrase is a memorable or attention-grabbing sentence or expression.

Example: The advertisement used a catchy phrase to grab people's attention.

Note: The term 'catchy phrase' emphasizes the memorable or attention-grabbing aspect rather than just a regular grouping of words.

Turn of phrase

A turn of phrase refers to a distinctive way of expressing oneself or a unique choice of words.

Example: Her turn of phrase makes her writing unique and engaging.

Note: It highlights the individuality and creativity in how something is said rather than just the words themselves.

Phrase book

A phrase book is a book containing commonly used expressions or sentences in a foreign language for travelers.

Example: When traveling to a foreign country, it's useful to carry a phrase book to communicate basic needs.

Note: While a 'phrase book' contains phrases, it is more focused on providing useful expressions for specific situations rather than discussing the concept of phrases in language.

Famous last words

Famous last words is a phrase used humorously to indicate that a confident statement will likely not come true.

Example: I'll finish this project by the end of the day, famous last words!

Note: This phrase is an idiom that humorously suggests that a confident statement will be proven wrong, rather than directly referring to the literal meaning of the words spoken.

In other words

In other words is used to introduce a rephrased or clarified version of something previously stated.

Example: I need you to be here early, in other words, please arrive before 9 am.

Note: It indicates a rephrasing or clarification of a statement, highlighting an alternative way of expressing the same idea.

Turn a phrase

To turn a phrase means to skillfully craft or express something in a clever or eloquent manner.

Example: She has a way of turning a phrase that captivates her audience.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the skill and artistry involved in crafting language, rather than just using words.

Lost in translation

Lost in translation refers to the idea that something has been misunderstood or its meaning altered when it is translated from one language to another.

Example: The humor in the joke was lost in translation when it was explained to the foreign visitors.

Note: This phrase highlights the challenges and nuances of language and communication across different cultures, rather than focusing solely on individual phrases.

Phrase everyday (slang) expressions

Saying

A saying is a commonly repeated and familiar expression, often conveying traditional wisdom or advice.

Example: That's an interesting saying you have there. What does it mean?

Note: While a phrase is a group of words expressing a concept, a saying tends to be more culturally specific and may have a proverbial or idiomatic quality.

Verbiage

Verbiage refers to an excess of words, often implying verbosity or unnecessary language.

Example: I think you could shorten the verbiage in that paragraph to make it clearer.

Note: Unlike a phrase, which is a group of words with a specific meaning, verbiage focuses more on the amount or style of language used.

Utterance

An utterance is a spoken word or vocal sound, often conveying a complete thought or idea.

Example: His utterances were always filled with profound insight.

Note: While a phrase is a collection of words forming a semantic unit, an utterance emphasizes the act of speaking or vocalizing.

Vernacular

Vernacular refers to the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a specific region or social group.

Example: I love how that author uses vernacular phrases to bring authenticity to the dialogue.

Note: Unlike a phrase, which is a specific grouping of words, vernacular relates to the broader language usage within a particular community or context.

Phrase - Examples

Phrase: "break a leg" is a common theatrical expression.

Phrase: "to be or not to be" is a famous Shakespearean phrase.

Phrase: "once in a blue moon" is a popular English phrase.

Phrase grammar

Phrase - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: phrase

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): phrases

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): phrase

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): phrased

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): phrasing

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): phrases

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): phrase

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): phrase

Syllabification and Stress

phrase Contains 1 syllables: phrase

Phonetic transcription: ˈfrāz

phrase , ˈfrāz (The red syllable is stressed)

Phrase - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

phrase: ~ 2100 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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