phrases

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "phrases" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to groups of words in a sentence or clause, or a set of words that share a meaning or convey a certain sentiment. Example: I found some memorable phrases in the book that I will always remember.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And after Thatcher's memorable fall in November 1990, her predecessor wore Westminster's widest, toothiest smile and borrowed one of her own phrases: "Rejoice, rejoice".

The Guardian

Use italics for foreign words and phrases (with roman translation in brackets); poetry and scientific names.

The Guardian

As well as encouraging students to embrace phrases such as "Have a go" and "Nobody's perfect", she's urging them to avoid "going for something that, if they don't get it, will destroy them", and that includes universities.

The Guardian

And while we sit not voting and whingeing on about the flaws, the weediness, the bolshiness, the taint of Blairism or the badly judged phrases or mannerisms of this or that MP, the rightwing will be obediently marching to the polling booths regardless and voting like billy-o all the way to victory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's space in between each part of the note and incredible delicacy in the way he turns phrases.

The Guardian - Music

There are far fewer of the "natural breaks" between variations, or even within phrases, which normally allow the dancers to take breath.

The Guardian

Also, what is happening when French phrases just invade our language like that?

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Three Muslim students dead in North Carolina shooting as suspect arrested Ahsan Zahid told Reuters that earlier in the week a man with his face covered was seen behaving suspiciously on the premises, and on Thursday someone drove by the centre and shouted mocking phrases in Arabic.

The Guardian

The notes show the meticulous preparation the Labour leader had undertaken ahead of the debate and the extent to which some of his phrases were wellrehearsed lines.

The Guardian

Related: Florida banned state workers from using term 'climate change' – report A report published on Sunday by the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting (FCIR) quoted six people, five by name, who had worked for or with the DEP as saying that the agency barred employees and contractors from using the phrases "global warming" and "climate change".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "phrases" to enhance clarity and impact by carefully choosing expressions that resonate with your audience and convey the intended meaning precisely.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on overused or cliché "phrases". Strive for originality and precision in your language to make your writing more engaging and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The word "phrases" primarily functions as a noun, referring to groups of words that form a conceptual unit. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "phrases" are discussed in the context of language, literature, and communication, confirming its role as a descriptor for segments of language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "phrases" is a common and versatile noun, denoting groups of words that function as a conceptual unit. Ludwig's examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist indicate that the word is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, especially in news and media. The primary usage is to discuss language itself, allowing for analysis and commentary on specific linguistic units. Whether you're analyzing literary works or crafting clear communication, understanding and utilizing "phrases" effectively is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressions

Focuses on the act of conveying meaning through language, similar to "phrases" but with a broader scope.

idioms

Refers to a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.

sayings

Highlights the common or well-known nature of the expressions, implying widespread use.

terms

Emphasizes the specific vocabulary used in a particular field or context.

statements

Implies a declarative form, focusing on the content being communicated.

utterances

Focuses on the act of speaking or writing, rather than the content itself.

catchphrases

Highlights expressions that have gained popularity or are associated with a specific product or idea.

formulations

Emphasizes the way something is expressed or presented.

figures of speech

Highlights the use of non-literal language for rhetorical effect.

turns of phrase

Focuses on the unique or distinctive way language is used.

FAQs

How to use "phrases" in a sentence?

You can use "phrases" to refer to groups of words that form a conceptual unit, such as "idiomatic phrases" or "key phrases". For example, "The document contained several memorable phrases.".

What are some alternatives to using the word "phrases"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "expressions", "idioms", "terms", or "sayings".

Which is correct, "commonly used phrases" or "phrases commonly used"?

Both "commonly used phrases" and "phrases commonly used" can be correct, but "commonly used phrases" is generally preferred for its conciseness and natural flow. The choice depends on the specific context and emphasis desired.

What's the difference between "phrases" and "clauses"?

"Phrases" are groups of related words that do not contain both a subject and a verb, while clauses do. A clause can function as a sentence on its own, but a phrase cannot.