phrase

A phrase is a unit of syntax consisting of a group of words that functions as a single unit within a sentence. Unlike clauses, phrases do not contain a finite verb and cannot by themselves form a complete sentence. Phrases serve as building blocks that can function as nouns, adjectives, adverbs, or modifiers of other words. They frequently combine with verbs to form larger structures and can be nested inside larger phrases.

Common types include noun phrase (the tall man), which centers on a noun; verb phrase (has been studying), which centers on a main verb; adjective phrase (very tired), which describes a noun; adverbial phrase (very slowly), which modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb; prepositional phrase (in the morning, under the table), which includes a preposition and its complement; participial phrase (running down the street), which uses a participle to modify a noun; gerund phrase (Swimming in the ocean) and infinitive phrase (to eat healthy), which use verb forms as nouns or complements. Phrases can be combined and layered within clauses, and their order and selection follow language-specific syntactic rules.

Beyond formal grammar, the term phrase also refers to conventional expressions or idioms. Phraseology studies fixed expressions, collocations, and set phrases whose meanings are not always deducible from their parts. In writing, careful phrasing can influence emphasis, rhythm, and clarity; in rhetoric, phrases may be adjusted to suit style or audience.

Etymology: The word phrase comes from Old French phrase, ultimately from Latin phrasis and Greek phrasis, meaning expression or speech.