WordGarden.iophrase
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /frˈeɪz/
US
- /ˈfreɪz/
Meanings
Noun
a short group of words or fixed expression
a short musical unit or passage
Verb
to express or word something in a particular way
to shape or divide music into phrases
Beyond the definition
Imagine building with LEGOs. Individual bricks are like words, but when you connect them in a specific way, you create something bigger: a phrase. A phrase is a group of related words that works together to express an idea, but it does not make a complete sentence on its own. Think of common sayings like "raining cats and dogs" or "see you later" - those are phrases.
Phrases add color and personality to our language. They can be short and simple, like "no problem," or longer and more descriptive, like "in the blink of an eye." Sometimes one becomes so common that it almost feels like a single word - we say someone "kicked the bucket" instead of simply saying they died.
A phrase is a group of words that functions as a single unit within a sentence, expressing a particular idea or concept. Unlike a complete sentence, a phrase does not have both a subject and a verb working together to form a full thought. It is more like a building block - it needs other blocks (words) to create something fully formed.
There are many different types of phrases! A noun phrase acts as a noun ("the bright red car"). A verb phrase includes the main verb and any helping verbs ("will be going"). An adjective phrase describes a noun ("extremely happy"). And an idiomatic phrase is a saying whose meaning isn't obvious from the individual words ("break a leg" means "good luck!").
Phrases are everywhere in everyday language. We use them to add nuance, emphasis, and creativity to our speech and writing. A well-chosen phrase can make your communication more vivid and memorable. Consider the difference between saying "He ran quickly" versus "He ran like the wind." The second uses a phrase ("like the wind") to create a stronger image.
So, whether you're crafting a poem, giving a speech, or simply chatting with friends, understanding phrases is key to mastering language and expressing yourself effectively. They're the little building blocks that make our communication richer and more meaningful.
Examples
- 1
Ordering coffee
I learned a useful phrase for ordering coffee.
- 2
Translation
What's the English phrase for this?
- 3
Repetition
He kept repeating the same phrase: "I'll be there in five minutes."
- 4
Search terms
Try searching for the exact phrase in quotation marks.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Text messages
That phrase sounds too formal for a text message.
- 6
Speaking style
She has a gentle turn of phrase that makes difficult news easier to hear.
- Phrasea turn of phrase
a particular way of saying something
- 7
Question wording
I wasn't sure how to phrase my question.
- 8
Polite wording
Could you phrase that more politely?
- 9
Warning form
The rule is phrased as a warning, not an order.
- Patternphrase X as Y
express X in that form
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- phrasenounverb
Forms
- phrasespluralnounverb
- phrasing-ing formverbnoun
- phrasedpast tenseverbnoun