phrase
/freɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /freɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfrāz/ (ame, mw)
phrase — noun
1. a set of words that works together inside a sentence but is not a full clause
a set of words that works together inside a sentence but is not a full clause
In 'under the table,' the phrase shows where the cat slept.
phrase shows place in a sentence
Our teacher circled the phrase 'after lunch' on the board.
the phrase '...'
In 'Three red apples fell,' the noun phrase comes first.
On the test, Mina underlined the wrong phrase as the subject.
- word group
a plain descriptive term, not a precise grammar label
- construction
a broader grammar word that can cover larger patterns too
- unit
very general and only useful when the grammar context is already clear
文法句型
the phrase '...'
noun phrase
prepositional phrase
用法筆記
Often appears with labels such as `noun`, `verb`, or `prepositional`. Distinguish from a clause: a phrase does not usually have its own finite verb.
常見錯誤
2. a few words regularly said together to express one idea
a few words regularly said together to express one idea
The tour guide taught us the phrase 'watch your step'.
the phrase '...'
Grandpa still uses a local phrase from his fishing village.
phrase from + place
The travel app explained the phrase 'service charge included' on the menu.
After the final whistle, fans repeated the phrase from the team song outside the station.
- expression
the closest broad synonym, common in both speech and writing
- saying
often sounds more traditional or memorable
- idiom
narrower because the meaning may not be clear from the individual words
文法句型
the phrase '...'
use a phrase from + place
repeat a phrase
用法筆記
Often followed by quoted words, or discussed with `mean`, `use`, and `repeat`. Distinguish from noun/1 `GRAMMAR`: this sense is about meaning in everyday use, not sentence structure.
常見錯誤
3. a brief run of notes that sounds like one complete musical idea
a brief run of notes that sounds like one complete musical idea
The violin phrase rises softly before the drums enter.
instrument + phrase
During practice, Leo played the final phrase three times.
final phrase
That piano phrase returns near the end of the song.
The singer held the last note of the phrase longer.
文法句型
opening phrase
final phrase
repeat the phrase
用法筆記
Common with words such as `melody`, `song`, `violin`, and `repeat`. Smaller than a whole tune, but larger than a single note.
4. a wording choice that shows a speaker's or writer's personal style
a wording choice that shows a speaker's or writer's personal style
In Friday's review, that sharp phrase sounded just like Editor Chen.
sounded like + person's style
The poet used a simple phrase to describe the empty field.
use a phrase to + verb
In the war speech, one bold phrase sounded like Churchill himself.
Her phrase 'a city that never hurries' gave the article warmth.
- wording
the most direct everyday alternative
- diction
more formal and often used in literary discussion
- turn of phrase
often suggests a distinctive or memorable wording choice
文法句型
a phrase for + idea
use a phrase to + verb
a phrase typical of + person
用法筆記
Usually discussed when people comment on a writer's or speaker's style. Distinguish from noun/2 `EXPRESSION`: this sense focuses on a person's wording choice, not on a familiar set phrase.
常見錯誤
phrase — verb
1. to put an idea into words in a certain way, especially carefully or deliberately
to put an idea into words in a certain way, especially carefully or deliberately
Nina phrased the email politely after the first draft sounded angry.
phrase + object + adverb
The lawyer phrased each question so the witness could answer clearly.
Please phrase your complaint as a question at the meeting.
The school letter was phrased in warm, simple language.
文法句型
phrase + something + adverb
phrase + something + as + noun
be phrased in + language
用法筆記
Usually takes an object such as `question`, `email`, `answer`, or `rule`. Very common with `as` for a new form and in the passive with `in` plus a style or kind of language.