discrete phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discrete phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to refer to a distinct or separate phrase that stands alone in meaning or function. Example: "In the analysis of the text, we identified several discrete phrases that conveyed different themes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Burnard describes meaning units as a discrete phrase, sentence or series of sentences which conveys one idea or one related set of perceptions.

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Douglas was impassioned, and his playing started to even out into short, discrete phrases Uri Caine, the pianist, following them up, mimicking and throwing ideas back.

The New York Times

Dupont's lark song includes a variable number of discrete phrases or song types that are shared by neighbouring males during spring disputes (song spectrograms can be found in Laiolo & Tella [11]).

Plosone

T. brasiliensis, on the other hand, produce highly stereotyped syllables that do not grade into each other, but instead are organized into discrete and distinct phrases much like the songs of many bird species.

Plosone

Trill syllables, whether discrete or connected, are produced as a distinct phrase or burst with durations of approximately 25 ms (mean: 24±0.9 ms N = 70, range 8 45 ms) and have average intervals between syllables of 3.7 ms [4].

Plosone

Like Miles Davis after the 1960s he's less a part of his group than a director and agitator, sometimes boiling his input down to discrete sung phrases and spontaneous interference — altering the mix, hitting a cymbal, playing a cassette recording through the microphone.

The New York Times - Arts

Great tit males have a repertoire ranging from 1 to up to 9 different discrete units or phrase types, also referred to as song types that can be recognized unambiguously [15], [32].

Plosone

Long periods of static gave way to discrete words, occasional phrases.

The New Yorker

Only 3 of the commonest raw strings in Table 2 are true discrete words or phrases (DWoPs shaded grey).

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

A discrete phase model in spraying evaporation system is developed and a simulation experiment based on the gas liquid phrase and hydromechanics theory is conducted.

Desalination

Phrases are highly stereotyped, discrete, and distinct, and as such provide an excellent model for examining how elements are combined in a composite mammalian vocal signal.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discrete phrase", ensure that the context clearly establishes the separate and distinct nature of the phrase you are referencing. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific examples or explanations of its uniqueness.

Common error

Avoid using "discrete phrase" when the intended meaning is simply a 'short phrase' or a 'brief statement'. "Discrete" implies a clear separation and distinction, so use it only when that separation is a key characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "discrete phrase" is to act as a noun phrase, where "discrete" modifies the noun "phrase". It specifies a particular type of phrase that is distinct and separate. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is mostly used in academic writing to highlight the distinct qualities of certain phrases.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discrete phrase" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase referring to a distinct, separate, and clearly defined linguistic unit. As Ludwig confirms, it's mostly used in academic and analytical contexts, particularly in science and media, to emphasize the individuality of a phrase. While alternatives like "distinct phrase" or "separate phrase" exist, "discrete phrase" carries a specific nuance of non-overlapping distinction. Ensure its use is appropriate by confirming that the element of clear separation is present and a defining characteristic, avoiding using it in cases where a generic 'short phrase' would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct phrase

Replaces "discrete" with "distinct", emphasizing the clear and recognizable difference of the phrase.

separate phrase

Uses "separate" instead of "discrete", highlighting the individuality and non-connectedness of the phrase.

individual phrase

Emphasizes the unique and self-contained nature of the phrase.

isolated phrase

Suggests the phrase exists independently and is not connected to other phrases.

self-contained phrase

Highlights the phrase's completeness and ability to stand alone without needing additional context.

independent phrase

Focuses on the phrase's autonomy and lack of reliance on other parts of the text.

detached phrase

Implies the phrase is not connected or related to the surrounding text.

unconnected phrase

Directly states the absence of a link between the phrase and other parts of the text.

discrete expression

Substitutes "phrase" with "expression", broadening the concept to include any form of linguistic output.

distinct segment

Replaces "phrase" with "segment", shifting the focus to a part of a larger whole.

FAQs

What does "discrete phrase" mean?

A "discrete phrase" refers to a distinct and separate phrase, clearly distinguishable from other phrases due to its meaning, structure, or function. It emphasizes the individuality and non-overlapping nature of the phrase within a larger context.

How can I use "discrete phrase" in a sentence?

You might use "discrete phrase" when analyzing text or music. For example: "In the song, the composer used several "distinct phrases" to create a sense of contrast."

What are some alternatives to "discrete phrase"?

Alternatives include "distinct phrase", "separate phrase", or "individual phrase", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "discrete phrase" instead of just "phrase"?

Use "discrete phrase" when it's important to emphasize the phrase's independence and lack of connection or overlap with other phrases. If the phrase's distinctness is not a key feature, simply using "phrase" may suffice.