Phrase vs. Term: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 14, 2023
A phrase is a group of words without a subject-verb component, whereas a term is a word or phrase with a specific definition in a particular context.
Key Differences
A phrase is a sequence of two or more words arranged in a grammatical construction and acting as a unit in a sentence. It does not contain a subject and a predicate of its own. A term, however, is a word or expression used in relation to a particular subject, often to signify a concept with specific boundaries and meaning in that field.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Phrases serve as components of grammar, which can function as a noun, verb, adverb, or adjective within sentences. They provide additional information about subjects, objects, or actions but do not stand alone. Terms, on the other hand, are used to define and explain concepts, as in legal terms, mathematical terms, or technical terms, and they can stand alone as the representation of a singular idea.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
In literature, a phrase is a part of a sentence that adds to the narrative without the necessity of having a definitive meaning outside the context of the passage. Terms carry definitive meanings that transcend specific sentences and are used to convey clear, precise concepts, especially in academic, legal, and technical discourses.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
A phrase might be idiomatic, meaning its significance is derived from its use in language rather than its literal meaning. Terms are typically literal; their importance is not idiomatic but rooted in their defined explanation within a particular discipline.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Understanding phrases involves recognizing their role in the syntactic structure of a sentence, while understanding terms requires knowing the specific definition or concept they represent in their particular context.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A group of words without a subject-verb pair
A word or expression with a specific definition
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Examples
"Under the weather" (idiomatic)
"Velocity" in physics (defined concept)
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
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Phrase and Term Definitions
Term
A word with a specific meaning.
Ecosystem is a term often used in biology.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Phrase
Part of a sentence.
The phrase running swiftly adds detail to the narrative.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Term
An expression with a defined meaning.
The legal term tort refers to a civil wrong.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Phrase
An idiomatic expression.
He used the phrase hit the books to mean start studying.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
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Phrase
A musical expression.
The phrase in the melody was hauntingly beautiful.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Term
A condition in an agreement.
The contract outlines the terms of the employment.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Phrase
A short selection of words.
She could not remember the exact phrase he had used.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Term
A concept in a field of study.
Relative frequency is a term used in statistics.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Phrase
A sequence of words that have meaning, especially when forming part of a sentence.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 10, 2023
Term
A limited or established period of time that something is supposed to last, as a school or court session, tenure in public office, or a prison sentence.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 10, 2023
Term
A point in time at which something ends; termination
An apprenticeship nearing its term.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
What is a term?
A word or expression with a specific, defined meaning in a particular context.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can a phrase be a term?
Yes, if the phrase has a specific, defined meaning within a particular field.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Do terms have to be technical?
Not always, but they often have specific meanings in technical or specialized contexts.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Can a phrase stand alone?
Phrases do not stand alone as complete thoughts; they are part of sentences.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
What is a phrase?
A group of words that work together as a grammatical unit without containing a subject-verb pairing.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can a term be a phrase?
Yes, a term can be a single word or a phrase if that phrase has a specialized meaning.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
How are phrases used in sentences?
They are used as parts of speech, such as noun phrases or verb phrases.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Are terms always single words?
No, terms can be single words or multi-word expressions.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is the meaning of a term stable?
Generally, terms have stable meanings within their disciplines.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
How are terms used in sentences?
They are used to convey precise meanings or concepts specific to a subject.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Are terms always clear-cut in meaning?
In their specific fields, terms usually have clear, agreed-upon meanings.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is a phrase more common in everyday language?
Yes, phrases are commonly used in everyday language.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Can the meaning of a phrase change?
Yes, the meaning of phrases can evolve with language use.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Are all phrases idiomatic?
No, not all phrases are idiomatic; some are literal.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Is a term more common in academic language?
Yes, terms are frequently used in academic and specialized language.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Do phrases contribute to a sentence's meaning?
Yes, they add meaning and detail to sentences.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
What's an example of a phrase?
"Breaking the ice" is an example of a phrase.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
