Words / B2

FRAYZ/freɪz/

A phrase is a small group of words, or a way of putting something: a noun phrase; a set phrase. Clause has a verb; idiom has a non-literal meaning (already elsewhere). Underline the noun phrase, not the whole sentence. Verb: phrase a question. Do not call a full paragraph a phrase.

Meaning

A small group of words that belong together; also a way of expressing something.

Examples

• “Underline the noun phrase, not the whole sentence, the grammar item said.”
• “Phrase the complaint formally, which is the verb sense.”

Good to know

a noun / verb / set phrase; phrase a question. Bigger unit: clause. Set meaning: idiom. Grammar papers and emails. Group of words, not a paragraph.

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