lexical expressions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lexical expressions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in linguistic contexts to refer to words or phrases that have a specific meaning or function within a language. Example: "In linguistics, lexical expressions play a crucial role in understanding the semantics of a language."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Functional Linguistics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In the source text, lexical expressions of (un certainty are rarely adopted in statements.

Functional Linguistics

First, it had no theory of how lexical expressions contributed to the truth conditions of sentences (Lewis 1972).

SEP

The second type of theory, that we can label a foundational theory of word meaning, is interested in singling out the facts whereby lexical expressions come to have the semantic properties they have for their users.

SEP

Simply put, frames provide a schematic representation of the elements and entities associated with a particular domain of experience and convey the information required to use and interpret the lexical expressions employed to designate it.

SEP

The challenge, then, is to develop an account of the representational format of encyclopedic knowledge and describe the operations whereby it interacts with the basic semantic features of lexical expressions.

SEP

For example, Ludlow (2014) establishes a strong correlation between the underdetermination of lexical concepts (a semantic matter) and the processes of linguistic entrenchment whereby discourse partners converge on the assignation of shared meanings to lexical expressions (a foundational matter).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In Chinese, counterfactuals without a subjunctive mood, but instead containing the lexical expression yàobúshì, differentiate alternative situations from reality.

Lingua Sinica

According to NSM, primes are primitive, innate, unanalyzable semantic constituents that are lexicalized in all natural languages (in the form of a word, a morpheme, a phraseme) and whose appropriate combination should be sufficient to delineate the semantic properties of any lexical expression in any natural language.

SEP

The following are examples concerning lexical aspect.

SEP

The more Miyagawa studied the distinction between lexical structure and expression structure, "the more I started to think, 'Gee, these two systems are really fundamentally different,' " he says.

Science Magazine

Attitudinal value is inherent in the expressions of lexical metaphors.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about language, use "lexical expressions" to specifically refer to words and phrases with defined meanings. This helps to provide a formal and precise tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lexical expressions" interchangeably with general terms like "words" or "vocabulary". "Lexical expressions" implies a focus on the specific meanings and functions of words within a language system, rather than just the words themselves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lexical expressions" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous scientific texts confirms its use in describing specific words or phrases within a language that carry a defined meaning. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Functional Linguistics

15%

Less common in

News & Media

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lexical expressions" is a term most accurately deployed in formal linguistic contexts, especially within scientific and academic discussions. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific publications. When writing, remember to use "lexical expressions" when referring to specific words or phrases within a language to convey meaning precisely. Alternatives include "lexical items", "vocabulary items" or "word choices", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lexical items

A more concise synonym.

lexical units

Focuses on the individual components of vocabulary.

vocabulary items

Highlights individual words as units of vocabulary.

word choices

Focuses on the selection of words, rather than the phrase itself.

terms

Refers to specific words or phrases used in a particular field or context.

verbal expressions

Highlights the spoken or written nature of the phrase.

linguistic forms

Emphasizes the structural aspect of language.

phrases

More general term, referring to a group of words.

linguistic expressions

Broader than lexical, including also grammar and syntax.

expressions

More general term, referring to a way of conveying meaning.

FAQs

What are some examples of lexical expressions?

Examples of lexical expressions include individual words like "cat" and "run", as well as phrases like "kick the bucket" or "once upon a time".

How do lexical expressions differ from grammatical structures?

While lexical expressions are the words and phrases themselves, grammatical structures are the rules that govern how these expressions are combined to form sentences. Grammatical rules determine the order and relationship between "lexical items".

What is the difference between "lexical expressions" and "lexical items"?

"Lexical items" typically refers to single words or morphemes, whereas "lexical expressions" can encompass multi-word phrases and idioms. Thus, all lexical items are lexical expressions, but not all lexical expressions are lexical items.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "lexical expressions"?

The term "lexical expressions" is most appropriate in linguistic discussions, semantic analysis, and formal writing where precision in describing vocabulary and its function is important. In less formal contexts, simpler terms like "word choices" or "vocabulary items" may be more suitable.