set phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

"set phrase" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a phrase or expression that is often used by a particular group of people, and whose meaning may be understood by those within the group, but not by others. For example, the set phrase "you do the math" is often used by people to mean "figure it out".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Which set phrase means that criminals will not profit in the long term from their actions?

BBC

The titulature, introduced by a set phrase found on 13th- and 14th-century royal objects, glorifies the sultan in traditional bombastic eulogies.

The New York Times - Arts

Which of these is not a common set phrase with 'trip'?

BBC

"It's a set phrase," my chief editor explained.

Vice

Her adult life has been marked by constant war, so much so that "defeating the terrorists" is little more than a set phrase she rolls her eyes at.

Huffington Post

Granger argues that the books do not promote the occult because none of the magic is based on summoning any sort of demon or spirit; he contrasts occult invocational magic (calling up spirit beings to do your bidding) with literature's common incantational magic (saying a set phrase to use power from an unspecified source).

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Descriptions were heaps of hyperbolic adjectives and set phrases, a murky torrent.

The New Yorker

This term allows the inclusion of set phrases (established groups) and idioms.

Britannica

Delegates quoted set phrases from the speech, entitled "Build a Well-Off Society in an All-Around Way and Create a New Situation in Building Socialism With Chinese Characteristics".

The New York Times

Better still, Babylon is capable of translating completely novel sentences, rather than being limited to only a couple of hundred set phrases, as with the earlier systems.It is still far from perfect, says Dr Black.

The Economist

Their posthumous names were chosen from a limited predetermined pool; their descriptors were derived from set phrases in the classical tradition; and their identities were explicitly categorized as being like this cultural hero or that sage official in antiquity.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the "set phrase", ensure the context makes it clear that you are referring to an expression with a fixed or commonly understood meaning within a specific group or field.

Common error

Avoid using "set phrase" interchangeably with terms like "collocation" or "idiom" without understanding their specific nuances. While related, they aren't perfect synonyms.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "set phrase" is as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes an expression with a wording that is subject to little variation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set phrase" is a common noun phrase used to describe expressions with fixed wording and conventional meanings. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its occurrence spans across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. To enhance writing, ensure the context clarifies you're referring to a well-established expression. Alternatives include "fixed expression" or "idiomatic expression", depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fixed expression

Emphasizes the unchangeable nature of the expression.

idiomatic expression

Highlights the idiomatic quality, where the meaning isn't directly derived from the individual words.

conventional phrase

Stresses the acceptance and widespread use of the phrase.

stock phrase

Suggests the phrase is commonly used and perhaps overused.

formulaic expression

Highlights the structured, almost rote nature of the expression.

established term

Focuses on the phrase as a recognized and accepted term.

common saying

Refers to a phrase that's widely known and frequently used in everyday speech.

standard expression

Indicates the phrase adheres to accepted norms of language.

accepted idiom

Highlights the phrase's status as a well-known and understood idiom.

customary phrase

Emphasizes the habitual or traditional use of the phrase.

FAQs

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

You can use "set phrase" to describe expressions that are commonly used and have a fixed form, such as "'Catch-22' is a "set phrase" referring to a paradoxical situation".

What's the difference between "set phrase" and "idiom"?

While both are fixed expressions, an "idiom" typically has a meaning that can't be derived from the literal definitions of its constituent words, whereas a "set phrase" might have a more transparent meaning. For example, "kick the bucket" is an idiom, while "at the end of the day" is a "set phrase".

Are there alternatives to using the term "set phrase"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fixed expression", "conventional phrase", or "stock phrase".

Is "set phrase" formal or informal language?

The term "set phrase" itself is neutral. Its formality depends on the specific "set phrase" being referenced. Some "set phrases" are highly formal, while others are very informal.