phrase - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
phrase Word Meanings
- a group of words that express a concept
- a short remark or expression
- a specific way of saying something
phrase Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
phrase Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/freɪz/
US
/freɪz/
phrase Word Etymology
The word 'phrase' can be broken down into 'phras-' (from Latin 'phrasis' meaning 'speech') and the suffix '-e'. Originating from Greek, it evolved through Latin and Old French into English. Imagine a group of friends in a café sharing unique phrases that capture their shared experiences, a memory of camaraderie in communication.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Starting with a finger tap, I move a few words on the page, then push them together and watch them shift. I turn the line, adjust the spacing, and set my shoulders a touch as I decide which bits stay. The feel is light at first, then deliberate, as I hold back stray words and keep the core bits in view. The moment I stop nudging, the arrangement suggests a unit I can say aloud or jot down, a little phrase I carry into conversation.
Real Context
Phrase is a flexible unit in English that groups two or more words to express a concept, idea, or meaning without forming a complete sentence. It includes noun phrases, verb phrases, prepositional phrases, and idiomatic expressions. Learners often confuse a phrase with a sentence, or assume every phrase can stand alone or contains a verb. In everyday speech, phrases carry nuance, tone, and emphasis, and choosing the right phrase helps convey precision or style. Examples include a noun phrase like the big red ball, a verb phrase such as has been eating, and idioms like break a leg that convey meaning beyond the literal words.
Usage Reminders
- A phrase is not a complete sentence.
- Look for noun phrases and verb phrases.
- Idiomatic phrases may not mean what they literally say.
- Use quotation marks to show the exact phrase you are teaching.
- Practice combining phrases with different subjects.
- Remember that phrases carry tone and emphasis.
Common Misconceptions
- A phrase is a sentence.
- Every phrase contains a verb.
- Phrases always translate literally.
- Idioms are always fixed phrases.
- Noun phrases are never part of a sentence.
Thinking Differences
In English, phrases are flexible building blocks that can be literal or idiomatic. Learners must recognize that phrases do not always form a complete thought and that distinctions between noun phrases, verb phrases, and idioms affect meaning. Mistakes often involve treating phrases like full sentences or translating idioms word-for-word.
Learning Tips
- Memorize common noun phrases and verb phrases as building blocks.
- Practice identifying phrases in short passages.
- Distinguish idioms from literal word-for-word translations.
- Use quotes when teaching a specific phrase to learners.
- Combine phrases with different subjects to form new sentences.
- Pay attention to tone and emphasis carried by certain phrases.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'phrase' mean?
A.An individual word
B.A unit of language with a subject and a predicate
C.A type of punctuation mark
D.A type of poem
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'phrase' correctly?
A.He ate phrase for breakfast.
B.She looked like a million bucks, to coin a phrase.
C.Let's phrase the door and go for a walk.
D.The phrase set at dawn.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'phrase'?
A.Letter
B.Sentence
C.Punctuation
D.Novel
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'phrase'?
A.Whole
B.Word
C.Paragraph
D.Theme
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for the word 'phrase'?
A.He painted a picture of the phrase landscape.
B.She wrote a beautiful phrase in her song lyrics.
C.The phrase played a crucial role in the movie script.
D.They analyzed the phrase data to make predictions.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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