easy
The noun phrase “the bright moon” works as one unit in the sentence.
What does Phrase mean?
A phrase is a group of words that works as a unit or a short expression; to phrase something is to word it in a certain way.
Dictionary definition
A phrase can be a word or group of words that acts as one grammatical unit, or a familiar short expression. As a verb, phrase means to express something in chosen words. In music, a phrase is a short connected musical idea, and to phrase music is to shape those ideas in performance; dance also uses phrase for a connected movement sequence.
Example sentences
Phrase in a sentence
easy
“Thank you” is a familiar phrase used to show appreciation.
medium
Please phrase the feedback as a helpful suggestion.
hard
The pianist shaped each musical phrase with a gentle rise and fall.
hard
A verb phrase may contain a main verb and helping verbs, as in “will have finished.”
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice phrase in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Phrase
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What is a phrase in grammar?
A grammatical phrase acts as a unit, such as the noun phrase the tall tree or the verb phrase has grown.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses phrase as a verb?
Here phrase means to express or word the question in a particular way.
Practice 3
Which group is a prepositional phrase in “The rabbit hid under the porch” ?
Under the porch begins with a preposition and functions together as a phrase showing place.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Phrase
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WordPhrase.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningPhrase means A phrase is a group of words that works as a unit or a short expression; to phrase something is to word it in a certain way.
ExampleExample: The noun phrase “the bright moon” works as one unit in the sentence.
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Nice work—you practiced phrase.
Synonyms
Words like Phrase
expressionClose when phrase means a short, recognizable way of saying something.
word groupA beginner-friendly description for a phrase made of several words that function together.
wordClose to the verb phrase when it means to express something using chosen language.
Antonym review
Does Phrase have an opposite?
Phrase has no direct antonym. Clause and sentence are related grammar units, while single word contrasts only with multiword phrases and is not universally opposite because some frameworks allow one-word phrases.
Synonym practice
Want to practice phrase synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The author used a phrase that made us laugh," then compare close word choices. Practice phrase synonyms.
Word family
Phrase word family
Base word
phrase
noun
phrases
More than one grammatical unit, expression, musical idea, or movement sequence.
verb
phrased
Expressed in a particular choice of words or shaped into musical phrases.
noun
phrasing
The choice of words, or the shaping of musical phrases in performance.
adjective
phrasal
Related to or functioning as a phrase, as in phrasal verb.
noun
phraseology
A manner or set of expressions used by a person, group, or subject.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Phrase
Hint for students
Look for words that function together as one unit, or use context to see whether phrase means an expression, wording, music, or movement.
Common mix-up
A phrase is not simply an incomplete sentence. In grammar, phrase is a structural unit built around a head word, while a clause is built around a verb phrase and usually a subject. Different grammar frameworks may treat some one-word units as phrases.
Try it in class or at home
Color-code noun, verb, adjective, adverb, and prepositional phrases in sample sentences. Then have pairs rephrase one unclear instruction and explain how the new wording changes its tone or precision.
Teacher prompt
In “The very curious student has been reading after lunch,” identify a noun phrase, verb phrase, and prepositional phrase. What is the head of each?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Phrase and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice PHRASE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice PHRASE
Sentence Builder
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