phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of words that express an idea when spoken or in writing. For example: "I remember my grandmother's wise phrase 'Life is what you make of it'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the phrase "It was he," "it" and "he" are the same thing: they're both the subject, and thus nominative.

The Economist

'You hear the phrase "social cleansing" being used – and that's exactly what this is' Now, they are talking about demolishing this estate and building a 25-storey tower, all private apartments, with 120 low-rise "affordable housing" units around it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It seems an obvious thing, but it's one the company ignored for eight years, until the moment in 2014 when Libin was writing a presentation for his board and used the phrase "5% of our users choose to pay us", rather than "5% of our users pay us" as he had previously.

The Guardian - Tech

The best of America was the best of the world … France was a land, England was a people, but America, having about it still that quality of the idea, was harder to utter – it was the graves at Shiloh and the tired, drawn, nervous faces of its great men, and the country boys dying in the Argonne for a phrase that was empty before their bodies withered.

The Guardian - Books

Unsurprisingly, McDonald's itself argues strongly that work in the service sector is valuable – it tried to have the phrase McJob removed from the Oxford English Dictionary in 2007, and in December 2011, McDonald's UK chief executive Jill McDonald told the Guardian the word "undermines the hard work and achievements not only of our people but of all those working in the food service industry".

The Guardian - Money

Rarely was the phrase "I could have done that" spat out with more venom.

The Guardian

These poor people's bad luck was my comedy gold, as I spent a very merry evening repeating the phrase, "So, what you're saying is… Mos def-initely won't be coming?" The Sunday was all about the hamam, so we left our resentful-looking baby with a very experienced sitter for the day.

The Guardian - Travel

"And more than that, I would like to apologise directly to Nigel for the phrase 'snarling, thin-skinned and aggressive'.

The Guardian

It is coping with the stream of people who seize their chance to trot out the one theatrical phrase that everybody on the planet knows.

The Guardian

Cowen and his administration might even borrow a phrase from Maggie when faced with criticism that their tax and slash budget crucified PAYE workers and their families in this Holy Week.

The Guardian

Searches made on Google's services in Europe using peoples' names includes a section at the bottom with the phrase "Some results may have been removed under data protection law in Europe", and a link to a page explaining the ruling by the European court of justice (ECJ) in May 2014.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the cultural or historical context of a "phrase" to fully understand its implications.

Common error

Be cautious of overusing common "phrases" which can make your writing sound unoriginal and dull. Strive for fresh, engaging language.

Linguistic Context

The word "phrase" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a group of words that form a conceptual unit. It can also function as a verb, meaning to express something in a particular way. According to Ludwig, the word "phrase" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "phrase" is a versatile term used to describe a group of words forming a conceptual unit, often analyzed for meaning and impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. Alternative terms include "expression" and "term", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using the word "phrase", it's important to avoid clichés to maintain writing originality. Its primary function is as a noun, with a neutral register suitable for varied communication contexts. Given its frequency and versatility, mastering its usage is key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn of phrase

Indicates a distinctive or stylish way of expressing something.

expression

Focuses on the act of conveying a thought or feeling, broadening the scope from just words.

wording

Refers to the specific choice of words used in a particular context, emphasizing precision.

term

Indicates a specific word or group of words used in a particular field or context, implying a defined meaning.

utterance

Highlights a spoken expression, focusing on the act of saying something.

locution

Refers to a particular form of expression, often implying a specific regional or cultural usage.

formulation

Focuses on the act of creating or expressing something in a clear and precise way.

idiom

Highlights a phrase whose meaning cannot be derived from the literal meanings of its individual words.

idiomatic expression

Emphasizes the use of language that is natural and characteristic of a particular language or dialect.

figure of speech

Emphasizes the use of language in a non-literal way to achieve a particular effect.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the word "phrase" in a sentence?

Use "phrase" to refer to a group of words that form a conceptual unit. For example, "'Turn over a new leaf' is a common "turn of phrase"."

What are some alternatives to the word "phrase"?

You can use alternatives like "expression", "term", or "locution" depending on the context.

What is the difference between a "phrase" and an idiom?

A "phrase" is a general group of words, while an "idiom" is a "phrase" whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its elements or the way the words are combined.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the word "phrase"?

The word "phrase" is suitable in various contexts, including literary analysis, linguistic discussions, and everyday conversations when referring to specific expressions or turns of speech. For example, "That "figure of speech" is often used to express sadness."